Brian Elliot Jr. to Celebrate His Anthem Home Run for Life on August 2

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons will host 13-year old Brian Elliot Jr. during the unique Anthem Home Run for Life program on Wednesday, August 2, at 7:00 p.m., when the Dayton Dragons take on the Great Lakes Loons at Fifth Third Field. 
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 gets to take a lap around the bases at Fifth Third Field during a sold-out Dragons home game while the crowd cheers them on.
Brian's Story
From the moment Brian was born, he had difficulties digesting formula. His pediatrician was concerned he wasn't getting the appropriate nutrition he needed to thrive. The hospital ran some routine tests and quickly diagnosed Brian with cystic fibrosis (CF).  

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs and digestive system. An inherited condition, it affects the cells that produce mucus, sweat, and digestive fluids. These secreted fluids are normally thin and slippery. But in cystic fibrosis, the secretions become thick and sticky, which can prevent the release of digestive enzymes that allow the body to break down food and absorb vital nutrients, among other things.
When Brian was younger, he was in the hospital for severe complications a few times. Four years ago, Brian had a surgical procedure to provide him with a feeding tube that helps his digestive issues. Since then, he has done well gaining weight and receiving adequate nutrition. In addition, Brian has a daily routine that includes breathing treatments and a special vest he wears that vibrates to assist in breaking up any thick mucus in his lungs.
Brian has a form of cystic fibrosis that allows him to participate in many of the activities he loves. He loves gym class at school and playing baseball like his favorite team, the Cincinnati Reds. From the outside, you would never know that Brian has breathing and digestive challenges.
Brian is now 13 years old and will be in eighth grade at Urbana Junior High in the fall. He doesn't allow cystic fibrosis to keep him down. "It's scary sometimes, but I never give up and keep fighting. It doesn't hold me back," Brian said. One day, Brian would like to be a police officer so he can help better his community.
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons applaud all those who have been instrumental in Brian's life, including his parents Kenny and Melissa, siblings Dylan and Madalene, Dr. Wolf, and his entire medical support team. Please join us in cheering on Brian as he completes his Home Run for Life at Fifth Third Field on August 2.dayton dragons
More Information:  The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling at (937) 228-2287, emailing at [email protected], or on the web at daytondragons.com.