Small But Mighty: 3-Year-Old Battling Leukemia

DAYTON, Ohio -- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio and the Dayton Dragons will host 3-year-old Liam during the iconic Anthem Home Run for Life program on Wednesday, August 6, at 7:05 pm, when the Dayton Dragons take on the Lake County Captains at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District.

The Anthem Home Run for Life program provides children in the Dayton region who are battling serious medical conditions with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Each honoree takes a lap around the bases at Day Air Ballpark during a Dragons home game while the crowd cheers them on.

Liam’s Story

In November of 2023, Liam’s parents took him to the doctor on multiple occasions due to poor color, lack of appetite, and pain in his foot. Liam, an outgoing little boy who likes to read and cheer on the UD Flyers, was about to encounter an unexpected two-and-a-half year-long journey.

The family was told to go straight to the ER with suspicion of leukemia. After many tests, it was confirmed that Liam had B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). B-ALL is a type of blood cancer where the bone marrow produces too many abnormal B-cells, a type of white blood cell that fights infection. Liam was admitted to the hospital for seven days.

While at the hospital, Liam had five blood transfusions, a PICC line placed, his first dose of chemotherapy, and a bone marrow biopsy. While the risk of relapse is more common in boys, the doctors, nurses, and educators did a great job helping the family learn how to navigate this new obstacle they faced. The family takes this journey for Liam one month, and sometimes one day, at a time.

Liam has faced his diagnosis with strength. Liam’s parents say while unfortunately there have been people who have gone through this prior to them, relying on the experience of others helps navigate the condition and better predict what is to come. Liam will complete his treatment in February of 2026.

Liam wants to drive a cement truck when he is older. He is most happy when he’s playing with his friends. Liam’s favorite snack is granola bars. He looks forward to going to the pool this summer.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons applaud all those who have been instrumental in Liam’s life, including his mom, dad, siblings, extended family, friends, and entire medical team.

Join us at the Dragons game on Wednesday, August 6, to celebrate Liam’s Home Run for Life.

To learn more about Anthem Home Run for Life, visit www.daytondragons.com/hrfl.