Home Run for Life 2026

Since 2013, the South Bend Cubs and Beacon Children’s Hospital have partnered to bring fans a fun and heartwarming celebration called Home Run for Life. Every season, six current or former patients of Beacon Children’s Hospital are recognized at Four Winds Field for their courage and determination in battling through a significant medical event.

During the game, a patient will be honored on the field with their family, friends, and health care team. Following the third inning, the stadium jumbotron features a video which shares each patient’s inspiring story. The patient then hits a “home run” and runs the bases while meeting the players from both teams, who stand together along the first and third baselines. After the patient crosses home plate, the Cubs manager presents him or her with a personalized South Bend Cubs jersey, and pictures of the family are taken.

Home Run for Life, September 4, 2026: Allie

Allie is a very sweet girl with a tender heart and a natural instinct to care for others. She is always looking out for her siblings and takes great pride in being a loving big sister to her four younger brothers and sisters. A true helper at home and at school, Allie loves to read, enjoys learning new things, and consistently earns straight A’s. Though she may be shy and quiet at first, once you get to know her, her funny, lively personality shines through.

Allie’s story began much earlier than expected. She was born at just 26 weeks gestation, weighing only 1 pound 6 ounces and measuring 12 inches long. Her early arrival was due to her mother developing preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome, conditions that posed serious risks to both mom and baby.

The diagnosis came during what was supposed to be a routine prenatal appointment. When her mother’s blood pressure was found to be extremely high, she was sent directly to the hospital for monitoring and extensive testing. That day quickly became overwhelming and frightening when doctors shared that delivery would need to happen immediately. With so many unknowns, fear took over—fear for her tiny baby’s life and for her own health. All that mattered in that moment was hoping and praying for the best possible outcome for both of them.

After birth, Allie spent 92 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Beacon Children’s Hospital. Her parents were there every day, practicing kangaroo care through constant skin-to-skin contact. Though Allie faced illnesses and required blood transfusions, she continued to defy the odds. With the incredible care of her doctors and nurses—and the powerful bond formed through daily skin-to-skin—Allie grew stronger and eventually came home healthy and thriving.

Several members of Allie’s care team made a lasting impact on her family. Her primary physician, Dr. Buchh, worked closely with her parents and trusted them as partners in Allie’s care. Her primary nurse, Carrie Higgins, also became an essential part of their journey. Many of Allie’s NICU nurses remain close friends of the family today, a testament to the deep bonds formed during those long and emotional days.

Today, Allie is thriving in every sense of the word. Now in seventh grade, she is growing fast and flourishing academically, socially, and emotionally. You would never guess how fragile her start to life was. She is smart, kind, and full of life—an everyday miracle her family is endlessly grateful for.

Her parents are especially proud of the young woman Allie is becoming. From excelling in school to building meaningful friendships, playing softball and volleyball, and serving in her youth ministry at church, Allie continues to shine. She has a special gift for working with younger children and loves helping wherever she can.

In the coming weeks, Allie will experience a milestone her family is eagerly anticipating as she participates in Home Run for Life. Stepping onto the field and rounding the bases will be a joyful celebration of her strength, resilience, and the journey she has overcome. For her family, it’s a moment to reflect on how far she has come and to share her story as a source of hope for others.

Looking back, what stands out most is the unwavering care provided by Beacon Children’s Hospital—not just for Allie, but for the entire family. As a first-time mom, Allie’s journey gave her mother strength, confidence, and knowledge to advocate fiercely for her child and, one day, to help others walking a similar path.

Allie’s family wants others to know that Beacon Children’s Hospital truly cares. From easing burdens to supporting families through their most frightening moments, the compassion and expertise of the staff made an immeasurable difference. They will forever be thankful for the care that helped their family heal during one of the most challenging times of their lives.

Home Run for Life, August 22, 2026: Lucas

Lucas is a determined, caring, and dependable young man who brings heart and grit to everything he does. He loves agriculture, animals, and baseball, and is the kind of person others can always count on.

On May 8, 2025, Lucas’s life changed in an instant. He was riding a mini school bus to a high school baseball game when the bus was struck from behind at high speed by a box truck. The impact ejected Lucas from the vehicle, throwing him more than 10 feet. His father, a volunteer coach, was driving the bus at the time.

Lucas’s mom learned about the accident from a motorist who had stopped to help and stayed with her husband until she arrived. When she reached the scene, the devastation was overwhelming. The emergency room felt like organized chaos as medical teams worked urgently to save her son’s life. A neurosurgeon quickly stepped in, focused entirely on Lucas.

Two days later, Lucas underwent a craniotomy. He spent 11 days in the ICU before transferring to the Pediatric ICU, where his family began to see small signs of hope. On day 17, his bone flap was successfully reinstalled. In June, Lucas transferred to Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he began intensive inpatient therapy that continued for three months.

Lucas’s family is grateful beyond words for the people who carried them through those darkest days. From the school resource officer who cleared Lucas’s airway at the crash scene and saved his life, to the neurosurgeons, nurses, specialists, and therapists who never gave up on him — each played a vital role in his recovery. The compassion and skill of his care team at Beacon Children’s Hospital left a lasting mark on their family.

Today, Lucas continues the long road to recovery. Mentally, he is functioning close to his old self. Physically, he is mobile but still rebuilding strength and endurance. His next major hurdle is vision recovery, and he meets it with the same determination that defines him.

His milestones are nothing short of remarkable. His first word came during occupational therapy — a raspy “yes” that brought tears to the room. One of his biggest goals was to walk out of rehabilitation on graduation day, and he did exactly that. Now, he’s working toward returning to the baseball field, stepping back into the 4-H show ring, and competing in FFA Small Engines.

In the coming weeks, Lucas will experience a moment his family is eagerly anticipating as he participates in Home Run for Life. For a young man who loves baseball, stepping onto the field and rounding the bases is more than symbolic — it’s a celebration of resilience, progress, and the strength it took to keep going.

Looking back, certain moments stand out: the shock of the accident scene, the intensity of the first days in the ICU, and the extraordinary compassion shown by the nurses who cared not only for Lucas, but for the entire family. When Lucas was moved into a hospital room named for longtime family friends, it felt like a sign that hope was carrying them forward.

Lucas’s family wants others to know that Beacon Children’s Hospital gave their son a new beginning. The staff believed Lucas was still fighting, still present, and they worked tirelessly to help him emerge from his coma. The expert care, comfort, and love shown to their family will never be forgotten.

Lucas’s story is one of perseverance, progress, and the power of people who refuse to give up.

Home Run for Life, August 7, 2026: Theo

At just six years old, Theo has already proven he is stronger than most. He’s kind, competitive, and full of personality, whether he’s beating family members in the memory matching game or being the best big brother to Noah and Grace.

On February 28, 2025, Theo was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). His journey began with what his family thought was appendicitis, but bloodwork and a bone marrow biopsy revealed something much more serious. For his parents, the word leukemia was heartbreaking. Yet from the very beginning, Theo has faced his diagnosis with courage and resilience.

Since then, Theo has endured more than most adults could imagine: multiple rounds of chemotherapy, blood and platelet transfusions, six weeks of twice-daily injections for a blood clot, nausea, mouth sores, and even a 10-day hospital stay for necrotizing pancreatitis. Through it all, he has rarely complained. In June, his family received the joyful news that there were zero leukemia cells left in his bone marrow. His frontline treatment will continue through March 2026, followed by a maintenance phase until June 2027.

Beacon Children’s Hospital has been a constant source of strength along the way. From his oncology nurse Carrie, who always makes him smile, to Dr. Snyder and the entire pediatric hematology oncology team, Theo feels supported and safe. He’s even excited to visit the clinic at times. His parents are grateful for expert care so close to home, which allows them to spend precious time together as a family of five.

In the coming weeks, Theo will experience a moment his family is eagerly anticipating — participating in Home Run for Life. Stepping onto the field and rounding the bases will be more than just a fun experience; it will be a celebration of his strength and perseverance. After months of hospital stays and treatments, it will be a chance for Theo to simply be a kid again and feel the community rallying around him.

What stands out most about Theo, though, is his selflessness. During one difficult hospital stay, when his mom grew frustrated about waiting for medicine, Theo simply said: “There must be other kids that need help more than me, so we should be patient, Mommy.”

Even in the hardest moments, Theo thinks of others first. His story is a powerful reminder of why your support matters. Donations to Beacon Children’s Hospital ensure that kids like Theo receive lifesaving treatment close to home, surrounded by compassionate caregivers and family.

Because of you, children like Theo can keep fighting — and keep rounding the bases toward brighter days ahead.

Home Run for Life, July 25, 2026: Teagan

Teagan is a happy, loving child whose bright spirit carried her through an unexpected and difficult journey. Just before her 6th birthday, her family noticed something wasn’t right. After weeks of weight loss and a doctor’s visit that revealed a hard tummy, tests confirmed their worst fear: Teagan had Wilms Tumor, a type of childhood kidney cancer.

“I cried like a baby,” her mom shared. “You see kids on TV having cancer and pray your child never does. Then you find out your child does, and your heart just breaks.”

Teagan’s treatment journey began at Riley Children’s Hospital, where she underwent a biopsy, surgery, and her first rounds of radiation and chemotherapy. Her surgery, scheduled for five hours, stretched into nine. “It was the longest day of my life,” her mom said. Over the next several months, Teagan endured six days of radiation and 28 rounds of chemotherapy.

Once it was clear that Teagan required a lower dose of chemotherapy, her care was transferred closer to home at Beacon Children’s Hospital. There, Dr. Snyder and the pediatric oncology team became trusted partners in Teagan’s healing journey. “The doctors and nurses at Beacon are so loving and caring,” her mom said. “They worked closely with Riley, so the doctors here knew everything going on with Teagan’s case. It made us feel safe.”

Despite weekly access procedures, the challenges of chemotherapy, and losing her hair, Teagan showed remarkable courage. “She handled chemo like a boss,” her mom said proudly. “She didn’t care that she was bald—she stood proudly!”

Today, Teagan is thriving. She is back in school full-time, enjoying the simple joy of being a kid again. Her family is especially proud of how bravely she faced every step, rarely complaining except when she was feeling very sick.

In the coming weeks, Teagan will take part in Home Run for Life — a moment her family is eagerly anticipating. Stepping onto the field and rounding the bases will be more than just a special experience; it will be a celebration of her strength, resilience, and everything she has overcome. For her family, it’s a powerful reminder of how far she has come.

Looking back, Teagan’s mom says the moments that stand out are not just the long hospital stays or the weekly treatments, but the way her daughter never let cancer steal her joy. “She was brave the whole time. She inspires me.”

Because of the generosity of donors, Beacon Children’s Hospital was able to provide expert care close to home, wrapped in compassion and continuity. Teagan’s story is a reminder that with the right support, kids can face even the hardest journeys with strength and courage—and still come out smiling.

Home Run for Life, June 26, 2026: Gianna

If there is one word that defines Gianna, it is strong.

Everything she has faced, she has handled with courage beyond her years. Gianna is silly and full of personality. She loves to dance and sing and brings joy wherever she goes. But above all, she is strong.

Gianna was diagnosed in November 2023 with Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM), a rare autoimmune disease that affects the muscles and skin. Her journey began with what looked like eczema on her face. When treatments did not improve the rash, she began experiencing leg pain that quickly progressed to the point where she could no longer walk.

Because JDM is difficult to diagnose, Gianna underwent extensive testing, which she handled with incredible bravery. Her family spent a week at Riley Children’s Hospital before beginning IVIG treatments. She received three straight days of infusions and then began a long-term treatment plan.

Much of her ongoing care has taken place at Beacon Children’s Hospital, where the infusion team has made a lasting impact. From nurses who go above and beyond to volunteers who play games and the Ronald McDonald cart staff who bring small moments of joy, the care extends far beyond medicine. Even on long infusion days, Gianna looks forward to seeing her team.

Over the past few years, Gianna’s progress has been remarkable. She has come off high-dose steroids and no longer needs methotrexate injections. Her infusion schedule has been reduced from every four weeks to every eight weeks, and she now takes just one pill and a vitamin as her doctors evaluate whether she will enter remission.

Looking back at how sick she once was makes her growth even more meaningful. Through it all, she rarely complained and faced each step with strength and resilience.

In the coming weeks, Gianna will experience a moment her family is eagerly anticipating as she participates in Home Run for Life. Stepping onto the field and rounding the bases will be a joyful celebration of her perseverance and progress. It’s a chance for Gianna to be recognized for her strength and to feel the community cheering her on.

Gianna’s family cannot say enough about the care at Beacon Children’s Hospital. The compassion, consistency, and dedication of the staff have made an incredibly challenging journey feel supported every step of the way.

Gianna’s story is one of perseverance, progress, and unwavering strength.

Home Run for Life, June 12, 2026: Lily

Tiny but mighty — that’s Lily. Though she has always been small in size, her personality, courage, and faith are anything but. She adores her pets — including cats, chickens, horses, donkeys, a peacock, and even a few spiders — and she loves being with her friends and family. At just 5 years old, Lily faced something no child should ever have to: a brain tumor.

During Easter break from kindergarten, Lily started having headaches. At first, her family thought it was her new eyeglasses. When the headaches persisted, her parents brought her to the Beacon Emergency Room. After hours of waiting, the words came that changed everything: “Lily has a brain tumor.”

The diagnosis — a craniopharyngioma — was not cancerous but would cause lifelong health challenges. Her neurosurgeon, Dr. Fulkerson, prepared her family for what lay ahead, including surgery, radiation, and ongoing care. Supported by their Christ the King Catholic School community, “Team Lily” rallied with pink shirts, bracelets, and prayers.

Lily underwent surgery followed by 29 proton radiation treatments. Along the way, Beacon Children’s Hospital became a place of comfort, thanks to caregivers who treated Lily like family. Nurses like Jon Wohlford, who always showed up with patience and kindness, made difficult moments a little easier.

Despite setbacks, Lily is blossoming again thanks to the support of her school, her church, and her care team at Beacon. Her parents are especially proud of her faith, which has carried her through each challenge.

In the coming weeks, Lily will experience a special milestone as she participates in Home Run for Life. Stepping onto the field and rounding the bases will be more than just an exciting moment — it will be a celebration of her courage, resilience, and the journey she has overcome. For Lily and her family, it represents strength, healing, and the joy of simply being a kid again.

Perhaps the most powerful moment of Lily’s journey came on her 6th birthday. Instead of asking for gifts, Lily requested that all presents be donated to Beacon’s Pediatric Floor to help other kids. Even in her own recovery, Lily was thinking of others.

Beacon Children’s Hospital has given Lily and her family world-class care close to home, wrapped in compassion and community. Her story is a reminder of why your support matters — because kids like Lily deserve the chance to heal, to dream, and to shine.