Brewers Give Special Birthday Surprise
There’s nothing like an exciting surprise on your birthday. This became especially true for local Brewers superfan Noah Sitzman who received a special birthday surprise for his big day. On Tuesday, July 30, the Milwaukee Brewers teamed up with Aurora Health Care® to give Sitzman, an Aurora patient, an 11th birthday he surely wouldn’t forget – a Team Store shopping spree, an appearance by his favorite Brewers player, Garrett Mitchell, a VIP clubhouse tour and a ride down Bernie Brewer’s infamous slide.
Sitzman was in for a shock as he rounded the corner to the team store in American Family Field. The entrance of the team store was surrounded by baseball balloons, the Famous Racing Sausages waving pom poms, Bernie Brewer repping a “Happy Birthday Noah!” tee and a personalized Brewers birthday cake. Sitzman’s eyes shone bright and left him with only word: “WHAT!”
The birthday celebration continued as Sitzman entered the Team Store and learned of the shopping spree awaiting him. A shopping spree is already thrilling, but how about a shopping spree with your favorite player? Out came Sitzman’s favorite Brewers player, outfielder Garrett Mitchell, wearing a “Happy Birthday Noah!” t-shirt and ready to make sure Sitzman left outfitted in new Brew Crew gear.
Sitzman and Mitchell share a unique bond – they both have type 1 diabetes, a chronic condition that currently has no cure and can lead to serious health complications. For Sitzman, Mitchell serves as an inspirational figure, demonstrating that success is possible despite the challenges they face.
“I mean the fact that a major MLB player has type 1 diabetes and he just sticks his pump in his back pocket, and he goes to play,” said Noah’s mom, Megan Sitzman, “You can do anything you want to.”
Mitchell helped Sitzman don his very own custom Brewers jersey before they roamed the store adding Brewers gear to his birthday basket. The duo made sure that Sitzman left with all the necessities – from caps and sweatshirts to an official Garrett Mitchell jersey.
The outfielder shared his joy in being able to surprise Sitzman for his birthday party and expressed the importance for every child with diabetes to know that it shouldn’t get in the way of their dreams.
“I am Garrett Mitchell the baseball player, but first I’m Garrett and I’m a diabetic,” said Mitchell, “To be able to help someone and continue to strive and show people what you can do with something like diabetes is important to me.”
Following the shopping spree, Mitchell ensured that Sitzman got his share of birthday cake and gave Noah one last surprise, a VIP tour of the Brewers Clubhouse. To wrap up his dream day at the ballpark, Sitzman took a ride down Bernie Brewers’ infamous slide. The day concluded with watching Brewers batting practice and attending the game. This birthday surprise would surely be hard to top.
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