Texas Rangers to hold Stand Up To Cancer Night at Globe Life Field - Saturday, August 27
Arlington, Texas— The Texas Rangers and Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation will spotlight cancer awareness at the Rangers-Tigers game on Saturday, August 27.
Fans and players alike will pause at the conclusion of the fourth inning to support those currently battling cancer, survivors, and those we have lost. The Rangers will host this special moment in collaboration with Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) and American Airlines.
Twelve-year-old Annabelle Grace Bartel, currently in remission from a rare childhood cancer known as Osteosarcoma, will toss the ceremonial first pitch before Saturday’s 6:05 p.m. start. Annabelle Grace, affectionately known as AG, was diagnosed in 2019 after suffering severe pain in her shoulder and arm, impacting her ability to do many of the activities she loved, including playing softball.
AG has returned to many things she loves in her remission, and the Rangers will honor her resiliency during Saturday’s first pitch.
Additionally, during pre-game ceremonies, around 50 Texas Rangers and American Airlines employees who have battled cancer will be recognized in centerfield.
The Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation will also donate all proceeds from Saturday’s Texas 2 Split 50/50 Raffle to Stand Up To Cancer.
Guests entering the Globe Life Field gates on Saturday beginning at 4 p.m. will receive Stand Up To Cancer placards to hold during the special moment. Additional customizable placards will be at tables throughout all concourses, and a large vinyl signing wall will be available to sign behind section 110 throughout the homestand.
Stand Up To Cancer is a groundbreaking initiative created to accelerate innovative cancer research that brings new therapies to patients quicker. Since its inception, SU2C has announced nine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approvals for new cancer therapies supported by SU2C research. Major League Baseball and its 30 Clubs have donated more than $50 million to SU2C since 2009.
Major League Baseball held an impactful Stand Up To Cancer moment at the 2022 All-Star Game in Los Angeles this July. Texas Rangers pitcher and first-time All-Star Martín Pérez and former Rangers catcher Jose Trevino both held up signs naming Rangers Interim Manager and colorectal cancer survivor Tony Beasley.
American Airlines is running its annual fundraising campaign to benefit SU2C and its mission to fund innovative and life-saving cancer research. Through Sept. 30, those who donate to SU2C through su2c/aa.com will receive 25 bonus American Airlines AAdvantage® miles for every dollar they donate of $25 or more.
ABOUT ANNABELLE GRACE BARTEL
“Life Beyond the Limits”
Published by MTF Biologics
Annabelle Grace, affectionately known as “AG” is a talented athlete, artist, and big sister who embodies the word “resilient” with every step she takes. This Texas-born powerhouse has been conquering stages, fields, and classrooms for as long as she can remember. Not even AG’s greatest competitor, a rare childhood cancer known as Osteosarcoma, could stand a chance against her tenacious spirit. In 2019 at the age of nine, AG began experiencing severe muscle pain in her left arm and shoulder. Naturally, she and her family thought this pain was a byproduct of her very active lifestyle. However, as months passed and the pain progressed, AG’s parents began to realize that something wasn’t right.
After getting many x-rays, tests, and a biopsy done, their greatest fear was confirmed: AG had cancer.
Following the diagnosis AG’s mother, Leslie Bartel, learned everything she could to be the best possible advocate for AG. It was through this process that AG’s parents and medical team decided that limb salvage surgery would be the best course of action for their osteowarrior. With the love and support of “the dream team”—Bartel’s close friends and family—AG began the chemotherapy process, hoping to shrink the size of her tumor and make her a viable candidate for limb salvage surgery. Her father, Eric Bartel, coined the phrase, “#AGTough” on Facebook. He said, “If we’re going to make it through this, everyone is going to have to be tough. We’ve got to keep her living to keep her fighting!”
Thankfully, after lots of prayer and many rounds of chemotherapy, AG’s tumor was just small enough for her to qualify for limb salvage surgery. With the help of the donated bone graft, AG was able to overcome the osteosarcoma treatment and recovery process. Refusing to let this obstacle get in the way of doing the things she loves, AG began living a life far beyond her limits. After months of hard work, dedication, and training, AG is now participating in her local cheer team and has won several tennis matches in a non-adaptive league, using only one arm!
AG, who is now in remission, makes a conscious effort with her family to reflect daily on the beautiful gift this donated bone graft has given her. When asked what they would say to her donor family, AG’s mother shared with tears welling in her eyes: “Thank you doesn’t seem like enough, but thank you. We truly do believe that AG has been given the miracle of life.”