By Betty Coffman, UofL News
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Baseball fans who want to support cancer survivors and the University of Louisville’s James Graham Brown Cancer Center all while enjoying a great game can do all of those things on Friday, May 24, at “Knock Cancer Out of the Park” night at the Louisville Bats.
The Bats will take on the Mud Hens of Toledo, Ohio, wearing specially designed lavender hats, jerseys and socks to honor cancer survivors. Cancer survivors will be recognized on the field before the game, sing the National Anthem, throw the first pitch and run the bases with Buddy Bat.
Among the survivors being celebrated is Marsha Kareken, a 14-year breast cancer survivor and 26-year employee at the UofL Brown Cancer Center.
“I chose to have my surgery at UofL Hospital and my treatment at the Brown Cancer Center,” Kareken said. “We have fantastic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, nurses and other staff members. I believe in where I work and who I work with.”
The Bats organization will generously support the work of the Brown Cancer Center through sales of game-worn jerseys and replicas of the hats, designed in lavender, which is associated with cancer survivors. The hats will be sold in the Bats team store on game night and throughout the season. The jerseys worn that night by the players will be auctioned online following the game. Proceeds from the sale of these items will support the M. Krista Loyd Resource Center, located on the first floor of the UofL Brown Cancer Center. The center provides a peaceful environment for patients to learn, relax and heal emotionally, along with educational materials, videos and Internet access to cancer-related websites.
Before and during the game, representatives of the Kentucky Cancer Program and the Brown Cancer Center will be on the concourse to provide cancer education and screenings, as well as showcase research and clinical trials underway at the cancer center.
After the game, fans will be treated to a post-game fireworks show, courtesy of the Brown Cancer Center and UofL Hospital.
The evening’s events begin at 5:30 p.m. May 24 at Louisville Slugger Field, 401 E. Main St. Game time is 7 p.m.
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