Nick Thomas Home Run for Life Honoree

Dayton, Ohio -- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons will host 13-year-old Nick Thomas during the unique "Home Run for Life" program on Wednesday, May 27, at 7 p.m. when the Dayton Dragons take on the South Bend Cubs at Fifth Third Field. 

The Anthem Home Run for Life program provides children in the Dayton region a once-in-a-lifetime experience as they battle serious medical conditions. Each honoree gets to take a symbolic home run lap around the bases of Fifth Third Field during a sold-out Dragons home game while the crowd provides a standing ovation.

Nick's Story

When Nick was just five months old, he was having difficulty breathing at night. His pediatrician was concerned. The hospital ran some routine tests and asked his parents if he tasted salty when they kissed him. Right before Christmas in 2001, Nick was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF). The saltiness of his skin was just one sign of this life-long condition.

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 make it difficult to breath, among other things.

As a young child, Nick was in and out of the hospital every six months for two to three weeks at a time. Luckily, he doesn't have to visit nearly as much now, but every so often he needs a "tune-up" to manage his condition. In addition, Nick 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.

Nick has a form of cystic fibrosis that allows him to still participate and take part in many of the activities he loves. His favorite sport is baseball, but he's also active in basketball, wrestling and soccer. From the outside, you would never know that Nick has a breathing disorder.

Nick is now 13 years old. He just completed eighth grade from Our Lady of the Rosary and will be attending Chaminade Julienne High School in the fall. He doesn't allow cystic fibrosis to keep him down. "It's not a disease that holds me back. I can still go outside and play…It doesn't keep me from doing the things I want to do," Nick said. One day, Nick would like to be a Major League baseball player or announcer.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons applaud all those who have been instrumental in Nick's life, including his parents Ken and Michelle, Dr. Mueller, and his entire medical support team. Please join us in cheering on Nick as he completes his Home Run for Life at Fifth Third Field on May 27.

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.

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