The Dayton Dragons and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Ohio have been partnering since 2004 to bring Dragons fans the iconic Home Run for Life program. Each season, Anthem and the Dragons recognize brave children who, with the help of their families, friends, and health care team, are presently battling or have successfully overcome significant medical events in their young life.
Home Run for Life events are promoted in advance through newspaper ads, radio spots and the Dragons game program, PlayBall! A personalized newspaper ad in the Dayton Daily News tells each honoree's story a few days prior to their event. And the honoree's photo and story are featured on the fold-out inside front cover of the complimentary PlayBall! game program handed out to all attendees on the night of their Home Run for Life.
During each Home Run for Life, Anthem hosts the honoree and his/her support team of family, friends, doctors, and Anthem representatives in a luxury suite.
Each honoree is recognized on the field during an inning break. The honoree, their family and support team are taken onto the field and the honoree gets to take a symbolic lap around the bases to a standing ovation from the crowd.
Learn more about our honorees:
Learning a new way and taking charge: 12-Year-Old Navigates Type 1 Diabetes
In January 2025, Riley’s parents accompanied her to her pediatrician’s office for a routine wellness check. Riley, an outgoing and active tween who enjoys dancing, baking, and coloring, was experiencing an increased need to use the restroom and thirst. They were hoping to figure out why this change in routine was happening.
At the pediatrician’s office they found traces of sugar in Riley’s urine after preliminary tests. Their doctor then alerted the family that this could potentially lead to a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. After additional testing, Riley’s blood sugar levels were shown to be extremely high. Riley and her family spent the next three days at the hospital meeting with dietitians, social workers, nurses, and doctors, learning how to deal with the challenges of her new normal.
Upon returning home, everyone in the family had a lot to adjust to – monitoring carbs, attending quarterly checkups, routinely checking her blood sugar, and administering insulin shots. Riley faces many challenges, one of which is figuring out what foods spike her blood sugar levels. If her blood sugar levels get too low, she needs to eat a fast-acting carb. If her blood sugar level gets too high, an insulin shot must be given.
Riley faced her diagnosis with amazing strength. While initially it was overwhelming and stressful, she continues to approach it with grace. Her friends ask her a lot of questions and she sees it as a chance to educate others about diabetes. “Kids with diabetes are just like other kids…It’s just another chapter in your life and you can be the same person you were before,” said Riley.
Riley aspires to become a professional dancer. She is happy when she’s with her friends, enjoys a good cheeseburger, and looks forward to vacation in Michigan this summer.
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons applaud all those who have been instrumental in Riley’s life, including her mom, dad, extended family, friends, and her entire medical team.