Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
September represents Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, which the Los Angeles Dodgers recognized on Monday night for their series opener against the Chicago Cubs.
Players and coaches were dressed in a custom white t-shirt that featured a special design on the back, created by select patients from UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital.
The patients also got to participate in an art class to draw their favorite player from the Dodgers roster, and they were celebrated during Childhood Cancer Awareness Night at Dodger Stadium.
Along with being introduced on the field during pregame festivities and running the bases, a group of the children also got to announce the customary “It’s Time for Dodger Baseball” before first pitch.
In honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Night, UCLA Health patients were invited to Dodger Stadium after attending an art class where they drew their favorite Dodger player and collaborated on a heartfelt t-shirt design. pic.twitter.com/kZ6LyYSIAX
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 10, 2024
Pictures drawn by the patients were used on the Dodger Stadium video board when players were up to bat.
The Dodgers collectively and and on an individual basis have taken an active role in raising awareness for childhood cancer. Among various initiatives carried out were organizing virtual or in-person meet and greets with players at Dodger Stadium, hospital visits and wearing special equipment.
Justin Turner regularly partnered with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) to have patients custom design pairs of Adidas cleats that he then wore during select games in September.
In 2022, Turner had his cleats, jersey and cap authenticated, so they could be sent to CHLA for a fundraising initiative. In addition to wearing custom cleats, the Justin Turner Foundation hosted a group at Dodger Stadium. One of which had the opportunity to join the mariachi that performs in the right-center field pavilion, which caught Turner by surprise.
Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation
The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation continues to give back to the community through a wide range of projects, including renovated baseball fields.
The latest Dodgers Dreamfields projects is due to have a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday morning.
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