Young heroes honored at Phillies Childhood Cancer Awareness Night presented by Nemours Children’s Health

Baseball took a back seat as young heroes were celebrated during Phillies Childhood Cancer Awareness Night presented by Nemours Children’s Health on Sunday.

Nearly two dozen local youngsters took part in the special pregame event, including those who are receiving treatment from Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware, as well as those affiliated with the Kisses for Kyle Foundation, which assists families in the Delaware Valley region who are battling childhood cancer.

The evening included a ceremonial first pitch by Eric Newton (age 14, Smyrna, DE), who threw a fastball to Dr. Jonathan L. Powell, Nemours Children’s Health pediatric hematologist-oncologist.

Highlights also featured a Lineup of Courage, where local children who are battling or have battled cancer took the field with players for the national anthem, sung by Arianna Barricelli (age 23, Bensalem, PA). Children in the lineup included Lindsey Diaz (age 16, Bristol, PA), Charlotte Goldthorp, Karina Knowlton (age 4, Mt. Laurel, NJ), Julie Krueger (age 17), Joseph Marzouca (age 6, Newark, DE), Jeziah Oquendo (age 8, Vineland, NJ), Andrew Trouts (age 9, Pipersville, PA), Margarita Valentin (age 19, Philadelphia, PA), Kingston Vo Jones (age 11) and Bentley Waters (age 4).

Another amazing moment included a Ceremonial Home Run by Margo Macchione (age 6, Wilmington, DE), who took a swing and “hit” a home run before rounding the bases with Trea Turner.

More experiences were had by Chase Dolgos (age 16, Wilmington, DE), who received big cheers from the crowd while he was the honorary public address announcer.

Additional moments were held such as changing the bases, singing “God Bless America” and “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” and dancing with the Phanatic.

With so many smiles on these child warriors and their families, one thing is certain – they know that they have an entire ballpark behind them.