Home Run for Life: One boy’s cancer journey became a mission of hope for others
This story features a Beacon Children’s Hospital patient who will be running the bases in our Home Run for Life program — a partnership between Beacon Health System and the South Bend Cubs. We will be featuring the heartfelt stories of each patient who is participating in this program throughout the summer.
At first glance, Gabe Rodriguez is just like any other 11-year-old boy. He’s full of energy, loves to laugh and has a passion for sports.
He spends his days playing video games, cheering on his favorite teams with his dad and dashing across the field in flag football games. But behind his bright smile is a story of resilience and strength. He has been fighting a battle since before he was old enough to understand what it means to be sick.
Gabe was 22 months old when a simple bruise led his parents to Memorial Hospital, setting off a life-changing series of events. In just two hours, their world crumbled shattered upon Gabe’s diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The words alone were terrifying, but the reality of what lay ahead felt even more overwhelming.
“The doctors told us he would beat it, but it was going to be a long, hard road,” his mother, Katie, said. A road filled with fear, sleepless nights, and moments no parent should ever have to endure. Watching their baby endure painful treatments, countless needle pricks and the exhaustion that came with fighting for his life.
Gabe’s journey began at Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis, but he was soon transferred to Beacon Children’s Hospital to bring him closer to home and the comfort of loved ones.
“As a family, we were so blessed to be able to do the treatment here in South Bend,” Katie said. Beacon Children’s Hospital became more than just a treatment facility; it was a refuge, a true beacon of hope where doctors and nurses became like family, celebrating Gabe’s milestones and providing unwavering support that matched his incredible strength.
Gabe proved to be a fierce fighter. Just six weeks into treatment, he went into remission. It was a victory, but the battle wasn’t over. Years of treatments followed as they watched their son navigate childhood with bravery beyond his years.
Finally, at 5 years old, Gabe received his last cancer treatment. The weight of that moment was indescribable. The family felt relief, gratitude and the bittersweet realization of how much had been taken, yet how much had been given back.
Now, at 11, Gabe is thriving. His energy is infectious, his spirit unbreakable. And he’s channeling his journey to bring hope to others. Every year, he and his family organize Cleats versus Cancer, a heartfelt event that raises funds to bring joy to children fighting cancer and provides financial relief to their families.
Gabe is also being celebrated through the South Bend Cubs and Beacon partnership in Home Run for Life, where he gets to round the bases in honor of everything he’s overcome. It’s a powerful moment that recognizes his bravery, celebrates his journey and shows other kids that there’s light on the other side of the fight.
Gabe’s story is one of heartbreak and triumph, of pain and resilience. It’s a testament to the power of love, the miracles of modern medicine and the unwavering support of the team at Beacon Children’s Hospital that stood by him every step of the way.
Today, Gabe is not just a survivor, he’s an inspiration.
More from the South Bend Cubs
Hear more from Gabe and his mom, Katie, ahead of his appearance at the South Bend Cubs game on Aug. 22.
For every child like Gabe, there are many others still fighting. You can be part of their story. You can be the reason a family finds hope in the darkest moments. Every donation supports kids like Gabe and helps us continue providing life-changing care right here in our community. Learn more about how you can support kids like Gabe at Beacon Children’s Hospital. Because together, we can make miracles happen.
