BENEFICIARIES
Armi, 2024 Stevie's World of Wiffle Ball Recipient:
Meet Armi! When it comes to fighting cancer, you can’t stop an “Armi.” Recently diagnosed earlier this year with B- Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, 3 year old Armi isn’t letting cancer slow her down. Most days you’ll find this resilient little girl embracing the world outside riding on her scooter, or in the swimming pool, and if you’re up for a challenge, she may even take you on an adventurous hike… that is if you can keep up. In the early stages of her care plan, Armi is receiving weekly medicinal treatments, including multiple spinal taps, and the various phases of treatment can really exasperate her energy, but you always find her with a smile, even on the hardest days to fight. As she continues in her battle against leukemia, Armi will need to undergo chemotherapy treatments for the next 2 and a half years, and she’s already showing cancer that she isn’t no rookie when it comes to playing in the big leagues. When your name is Armi, you’re bound to be a fighter, but what cancer doesn’t know, is that Armi has her own army, and they aren’t leaving without a fight. You can follow along Armi’s journey by visiting her Facebook page: Armi’s Leukemia Journey.
Kaine, 2024 Stevie's World of Wiffleball Recipient:
Meet Kaine! Born with a relatively large hole in his heart, life threw Kaine a change up this year, when he unexpectedly underwent open heart surgery. Doctors diagnosed Kaine with a heart murmur at his one week checkup, then further investigations just a month later found a medium to large size hole in his heart and Kaine was diagnosed with Ventricular septal defect. In and out of outpatient appointments with cardiologists, Kaine’s heart hole was monitored with little intervention as they typically close on their own, until this June, when it was discovered Kaine had a rare complication. After 4 years of great checkups, doctors discovered Kaine had Double- Chambered Right Ventricle, a rare congenital heart defect that can cause a severe sub-pulmonary obstruction in the right ventricle. Kaine had open heart surgery on August 2, where it was discovered the hole in his heart spontaneously closed and the heart valves were working properly, doctors completed the resection of the obstructing muscle bundles and Kaine is now home and recovering over the next 7 weeks. Kaine is looking forward to beginning Kindergarten this fall, albeit a little late as he recovers, but you can’t keep this adventurous boy on the bench. Kaine loves all things sports, especially baseball, and monster trucks and hot rods, and he keeps his family on their toes as the littlest of 3 with that ornery smile!
Mateo, 2024 Stevie's World of Wiffleball Recipient:
Meet Mateo! There’s no shortage of legends around here, and topping that list is four year old Mateo. Born prematurely, at just 29 weeks, and weighing just under 3 pounds, Mateo has been swinging for the fences since day one. Born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, a rare congenital heart defect, Mateo’s left side of his heart was severely underdeveloped and incapable of supporting systemic circulation, requiring a series of immediate procedures and surgeries, the first just seven days after he was born. In just the first 13 months of his life, Mateo’s surgeries and procedures included: two auricular septostomies, Bilateral Pulmonary Artery Banding, a ductal stent and two major palliative open-heart surgeries: the Norwood with BT shunt and the Glenn procedure. His condition was exasperated by his premature birth, so much so, that he was an experimental case for his care team. Born in Argentina, Mateo’s case pushed his medical team into unknown territory, as his case was nothing found in a text book before, and his team of doctors believe he is the first documented and the smallest/ youngest born with this condition in South America. In October of 2022, Mateo underwent a surgery known as the Fontan–Kreutzer procedure, the last of three open-heart surgeries to treat Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. During post operative recovery, Mateo experienced multiple small strokes and had to relearn how to hold his heads up, sit, eat, walk, and talk. Yet another testament to his fighting spirit, Mateo recovered almost all his basic skills within five months and continues to improve every day. Mateo now uses a pediatric walker and is looking forward to getting back to speech, physical and occupational therapy to help recover the motor skills he lost as a result of the strokes. Despite all this little 4 year old has gone through, Mateo’s infectious smile shines! Mateo and his parents recently relocated to the United States, and reside in the Clark County area, where his mom was born and raised. He loves playing with his kitchen set, throwing balls, and spending time with his maternal grandparents now that he’s in the States!
Rikki Lynn, 2023 Stevie's World of Wiffleball Recipient:
Meet Rikki Lynn! When she isn’t racking up K’s on the pitcher’s mound, Rikki Lynn is striking out cancer. Diagnosed in December of last year with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare type of cancer that forms in soft tissue, Rikki Lynn was determined to not let cancer stop her from living out her teenage dreams. Just starting her Junior year at Catholic Central, Rikki Lynn was looking forward to getting her license, heading to prom, joining her softball teammates out on the dirt— everything a young girl hopes for throughout her high school years. Her abrupt cancer diagnosis wasn’t going to keep her from anything she loved, especially softball; often, you could find Rikki Lynn heading to softball practice after treatments, pitching in all but 2 games this past season. Rikki Lynn is rounding third and heading for home in her treatment plan, finishing 33 radiation treatments in just 6 and a half weeks, as well as nearly 40 weeks of chemotherapy. Her latest scans in June indicate the tumor is gone, and all but a few spots are left in the bones, which will hopefully be targeted by spot radiation later this year. And while she has a few more chemo rounds to go, Rikki Lynn has BIG goals to make this year, her senior year, one for the record books, especially out on the diamond. In the words of Rikki Lynn’s mom, “this is a minor setback for a major comeback.” With your support, we can help Rikki Lynn in her fight against Rhabdomyosarcoma. Your donations will help offset the medical costs Rikki Lynn’s family has incurred throughout her medical journey.
Ellie, 2023 Stevie's World of Wiffleball Recipient:
Meet Ellie! Diagnosed in October of last year, 10 year old Ellie decided from that very day, cancer had met their match. In fact, nearing almost a year to her diagnosis date, Ellie has officially won her battle against Rhabdomyosarcoma. Ellie started to complain of headaches and eye pain multiple days in a row late last year, and her mom noticed that her eye appeared to be bulging slightly forward; concerned maybe something was in there, Ellie and her mom headed to the hospital. After multiple tests and scans, it was eventually revealed there was a mass behind her left eye, and the tumor was cancerous. Rhabdomyosaecoma is a rare cancer that grows in the soft tissue, and in Ellie’s case, the tumor stretched to her brain, growing in the brain cavity. Because of this, Ellie’s treatment was aggressive: 42 weeks of chemo and 6 weeks of radiation. Earlier this month, Ellie finished her treatment and rang the bell. And while Ellie is officially cancer free, her care team is closely monitoring a few spots in lungs and the tissues surrounding the eye. And after you beat cancer what’s a 10 year old left to do? Well, return to Shawnee Elementary and graduate 5th grade! Ellie missed out on a lot of her favorite things last year; Girl Scouts, Halloween Haunts at Kings Island, and just being a typical kid. She’s looking forward to making the most of this school year with her friends. And in true pre teen fashion, Ellie is most looking forward to the delicious food truck vendors at Stevie’s World this year! We can’t say we blame her. With your support, we can help Ellie in her fight against Rhabdomyosarcoma. Your donations will help offset the medical costs Ellie’s family has incurred throughout her medical journey. You can follow along with Ellie’s medical journey by visitng her Facebook page: Ellie’s Journey.
Danni, 2023 Stevie's World of Wiffleball Recipient:
Meet Danni! When it comes to enjoying the little things in life, 4 year old Danni never fails to find them. Before she was born, doctors were concerned with some of her appearances on ultrasounds, even though routine tests were indicating a healthy, normal pregnancy. However, at her 34 week ultrasound, it was determined that Danni was ready to meet her family, and she was born prematurely, via an emergency caesarean section. A week after being born, Danni was transferred to Dayton Childrens Hospital for a higher degree of care, and it was there she was diagnosed with KCNQ2 gene mutation epilepsy. Often referred to as Otahata Syndrome, this rare form of epilepsy causes newborns to have uncontrollable, daily seizures. In addition to epilepsy, Danni also battles with hypotonic cerebral palsy, global developmental delay, cortical vision impairment and hearing impairment. Even amongst all these medical struggles, Danni enjoys spending time with her family, whom love to dote on her, and she especially loves hearing her mom sing. She attends Clark preschool, where she’s in her last year, and is loved by her incredible teachers and classmates. While Danni is out living her best life, the care team at Dayton Children’s is determined to ensure that stays happening. Her rare condition is constantly being studied for the best treatment plan, and because of that, Danni’s seizures have now been controlled for the last two years. With your support, we can help Danni in her fight against KCNQ2 epilepsy. Your donations will help offset the medical costs Danni’s family has incurred throughout her medical journey.
Isabella, 2023 Stevie's World of Wiffleball Recipient:
Meet Isabella! Just shy of double digits, 9 year old Isabella always tries to see the best in life, no pun intended. Diagnosed with a hereditary type of vision loss, she isn’t letting her condition limit her. You can often find Isabella playing video games, participating in her local Girl Scout Troop, encouraging new students, and helping others her age to understand that not all illnesses can be seen. In April of this year, Isabella mentioned to her mom she could see a black dot in her right eye vision. While her mom had suspicions, it was confirmed by the team at Cincinnati Children’s that Isabella was experiencing symptoms of Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy, more commonly referred to as LHON. LHON is an inherited disease that causes sudden vision loss; scans indicate that Isabella has lesions and demyelination of her brain caused by LHON. With LHON, the central vision is affected- which is needed for detailed tasks such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces- and it worsens over time, often affecting both eyes, worsening vision sharpness and the loss of color vision. Both of Isabella’s eyes are now affected; there is no cure for her condition, and often, most affected individuals become legally blind. Her team of doctors are working hard, with the use of medication, to stop its progression. The prescribed medication, Idebenone, is not covered by insurance, and her family is forced to pay for her care out of pocket. Isabella has BIG dreams. She loves to bake and dreams of owning her own bakery one day. With determination like that, and her positive mindset, we have no doubt Isabella is going to achieve whatever she sets her mind to! With your support, we can Isabella in her fight against Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy. Your donations will help offset the medical costs Isabella’s family has incurred throughout her medical journey
Everett, 2022/2023 Stevie's World of Wiffleball Recipient:
Meet Everett! When it comes to hitting the Sandlot field, this kid ain’t no “L7 Weenie!” And with that infectious smile and beautiful blue eyes, all we have to say is “You’re killing me, Smalls!” Rhett was diagnosed with Spina Bifida Myelomeningocele, hydrocephalus, and Chiari II Malformation at his 20 week ultrasound. Spina Bifida is the most frequently occurring, permanent disability, in babies. Rhett’s condition is the most severe form of spina bifida, where the spinal cord and surrounding membranes are open to the skin surface. Just a few days after birth, Rhett had his back closure surgery and a shunt placed to relocate the extra fluid in his brain to his abdomen where the body can safely and effectively absorb it. Since then, Rhett has been determined to prove that Spina Bifida isn’t going to slow him down. Even through multiple surgeries, and long hospital stays, Rhett continues to thrive and prove his independence. Just recently, he’s mastered independently sitting! This past spring, Rhett and his own Sandlot buddies took to the field and played under the Shining Stars Tball league. A local league for children like Rhett, who face various medical challenges, but have a love for the game and friendship just like the boys of “The Sandlot.” Last year, because of your support, Stevie’s World of Wiffleball was able to provide 8 canopy tents for Shining Stars to provide shade for the dugouts. By supporting Stevie’s World of Wiffleball, your contributions will help Rhett and his family offset expenses incurred throughout his medical journey: “Remember, kid; there’s heroes and there’s legends. Heroes get remembered, but legends never die. Follow your heart, kid, and you’ll never go wrong.” You can follow Rhett’s journey by visiting his Facebook page: Rhett’s Journey!
Harley, 2022 Stevie's World of Wiffleball Recipient:
Meet Harley! Wendy Peffercorn doesn’t have anything on this sweet little 4 year old. At just one month old, Harley’s mom and dad knew right away their baby girl wasn’t growing as she should. After a multitude of doctor visits and tests, and 14 grueling months, Harley was finally diagnosed with Autoimmune Enteropathy. A very rare disease, so rare in fact, that Harley has left doctors speechless and riddled with confusion over her varying symptoms. Autoimmune enteropathy affects a child’s ability to absorb nutrients, and often children with AIE need intravenous nutrition to give their bodies the nutrients they need to grow and thrive. Because of Harleys condition, her body fights against her own immune system, and often leaves Harley weak and needing infusions. But like Wendy Peffercorn, Harley is one of a kind. As rare as AIE is, Harley’s symptoms have stumped local GI physicians and her case is currently being reviewed by the National Institute of Health through a research program called the Undiagnosed Disease Network. If accepted, Harley will be flown to St. Louis for extensive research and recommendations. 30% of patients seen by the physicians at the National Institute of Health leave with a diagnosis, 5% being the first ever to receive a diagnosis for their disease. While we’re sure Harley isn’t spending her summers “lotioning then oiling, oiling then lotioning” like lifeguard Wendy, she sure does find time to smile, especially when she’s playing Barbies and hanging out with big sister Haddy. And with a smile like that, “she knows exactly what she’s doing!” And just like Squints was desperate to get Wendy’s attention, we’re desperate to help Harley in her fight against AIE. Your contributions will help with the expenses Harley’s family incurs throughout her medical journey, and (hopefully) her future stay at the NIH in St. Louis. You can follow Harley’s journey by visiting her Facebook page: Harley Tough!
Kennedy, 2022 Stevie's World of Wiffleball Recipient:
Meet Kennedy! “There’s heroes and there’s legends.” And then there’s Kennedy. Just a few days shy of her 3rd birthday in August, Kennedy was diagnosed with B- Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. The most common type of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, B Cell is an aggressive type of blood cancer in which too many B-cell lymphoblasts are found in the bone marrow and blood. Immediately after her diagnosis, Kennedy was admitted and began aggressive treatments; a port was placed in her chest, connected to a vein that directly leads to her heart, to administer transfusions and blood draws. Just 1 month after her diagnosis, Kennedy’s bone marrow labs came back indicating no presence of leukemic cells (to a certain degree) and she’s currently in remission. She began her second phase of treatment last week and will soon be starting physical therapy to help with her muscle tone and strength. When she’s not “busting the guts” out of whatever ball cancer throws her way, Kennedy enjoys just being a kid: watching cartoons, helping mom cook in the kitchen, playing with her little sister Rosie, and in just a few short months, she’ll be a big sister again— this time to a little baby brother. So while “heroes get remembered and legends never die,” kids like Kennedy are the Babe Ruth of the Sandlot: “lesser than a god, more than a man.” And there’s no doubt this special little Bambino isn’t backing down to any “Beast” that comes her way. By supporting Stevie’s World of Wiffleball, your contributions will help Kennedy and her family offset expenses incurred throughout her medical journey. Her family is in desperate need of a new vehicle to accommodate their growing family and the many trips to Dayton Children’s Hospital for her treatments, checkups, and care. You can immediately help Kennedy by donating to her Go Fund Me page: https://gofund.me/91b09316
Meet PJ— our very own “Sultan of Swat!” When we say this kid is the real deal— we mean it. Diagnosed with Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease, 10 year old PJ, is putting up a hard knock fight against his debilitating diagnosis. ARPKD is a chronic, genetic disease that causes uncontrolled growth of fluid- filled cysts in the kidney: if a child with ARPKD survives the newborn period, they most always need a transplant before age 10. PJ’s condition also affects his spleen, liver and gallbladder by ways of a congenital hepatic fibrosis, which means PJ sees more hospital floors than Sandlot fields most years. Earlier this year, PJ underwent a liver transplant surgery, and a possible kidney transplant may be in his near future too. And if you’re like us, you’re wondering when PJ just gets to be a kid— he still finds some time for that too. He loves collecting Pokémon cards, playing on his Nintendo switch, and raising goats for his 4H projects with his little brother Remmy! But when we tell you this kid is nothing short of a local Benny “The Jet” Rodriguez— it’s true. Whatever “Beast” is lurking behind that fence, PJ is coming face to face with it and ready to outrun it. And it’s always with that big ol, lady killer smile lighting up his face. With your support, we can help PJ in his fight against ARPKD. Your donations will help offset the medical costs PJ’s family has incurred throughout his medical journey. You can follow PJ’s journey by visiting his Facebook page: Prayers for PJ. And PJ loves getting mail! You can write to him: PJ Grandinette PO Box 91 Enon, OH 45323
PJ, 2022 Stevie's World of Wiffleball Recipient:
Autumn, 2021 Stevie’s World of Wiffleball Recipient:
Meet Autumn! This incredible six year old is paving the way for childhood cancer medical advances. Diagnosed in February 2020 with a DIPG, a rare, aggressive brain tumor, Autumn is showing the world one day at a time, how precious she is. With her love for the arts and decorating, there’s no doubt this girl is coloring our world into a much brighter and beautiful place. Just recently, Autumn, along with her family and friends, raised over $50,000 dollars for childhood brain cancer research! And that’s not even the beginning of it— Autumn’s family is truly one of a kind— they have started the Autumn Rose Giving Gallery, an online art gallery where 100% of the proceeds go directly to support research. When we tell you we are in awe of Autumn and her family, it’s truly a remarkable reminder of what our purpose on this earth is. To live a life of purpose, gratitude, and giving. If you’d like to support Autumn and her medical fight, outside of our event, consider supporting her art gallery at https://autumnrose.shootproof.com. UPDATE: Stevie’s World of Wiffleball presented Autumn and her family with a $5000 check. Her family donated her check to support research on her rare brain tumor. Since then, Autumn has celebrated her 7th birthday and became a big sister to baby brother, Atlas! After a year of highs and lows, Autumn’s doctors describe her as nothing short of a miracle because of her fierce determination and positive attitude.
Meet Jayden! Born with cerebral palsy, a congenital disorder that affects movement and muscle tone, this special kid is laughing in the face of his medical diagnosis. Not letting his CP limit him, Jayden loves to laugh, and he brings joy wherever he goes. Last year, Jayden unexpectedly lost his mother, and his grandma is now his main caretaker. In the midst of all he’s going through, he’s continuing to fight and making huge improvements, including working on his ability to stand. Jayden loves going to school and learning new things. In 2019, he was recognized for being “The Most Curious,” amongst his peers at school, and we can see why— this kid is so inquisitive. Rocking his award winning smiling, Jayden is sure to brighten your day. Catch him at Stevie’s World of Wiffleball, he’ll be the one giggling all the way. UPDATE: Stevie’s World of Wiffleball presented Jayden and his grandma with a $5000 check towards his continuing care. When we tell you we are in awe of Autumn and her family, it’s truly a remarkable reminder of what our purpose on this earth is. To live a life of purpose, gratitude, and giving. If you’d like to support Autumn and her medical fight, outside of our event, consider supporting her art gallery at https://autumnrose.shootproof.com. UPDATE: Stevie’s World of Wiffleball presented Autumn and her family with a $5000 check. Her family donated her check to support research on her rare brain tumor. Since then, Autumn has celebrated her 7th birthday and became a big sister to baby brother, Atlas! After a year of highs and lows, Autumn’s doctors describe her as nothing short of a miracle because of her fierce determination and positive attitude.
Jayden, 2021 Stevie’s World of Wiffleball Recipient:
Annabelle, 2021 Stevie’s World of Wiffleball Recipient:
Meet Annabelle! She’s living life in the fast lane— when she isn’t kicking cancers butt, you’ll find this incredible 5 year old hanging out with her best friends, her sisters! Diagnosed last year with B-Cell ALL Leukemia, Annabelle is now in maintenance phase with a year left of treatment, and she’s leaving cancer in her dust. Not letting her medical diagnosis slow her down, Annabelle started Kindergarten this year, and finds joy in the smallest blessings of life— she loves being outdoors, coloring, and writing. This sweet girl was born with a heart of gold; Annabelle is fascinated with meeting kids just like her and learning about their stories. Even though she enjoys living a life of “normalcy,” this girl is anything but normal— Annabelle has made it her mission to find helpful ways for children just like her through Bree’s Blessings, an organization that uses art and music to help children cope with their medical diagnosis and journey. Even at such a young age, Annabelle has made such an impact in the lives of the children that she’s met— and she’s not stopping there. There’s no doubt this girl is going to leave a legacy of love and kindness in our world, and she’s already doing it with a smile on her face! UPDATE: Stevie’s World of Wiffleball presented Annabelle and her family with a $5000 check towards her continuing care. Since then, Annabelle turned 6 and is in 1st grade. After two years of chemotherapy, she rang the bell and finished chemotherapy on August 26th, 2022. She’s enjoying spending time with her sisters and celebrating her cancer free diagnosis with her classmates. Rhett was diagnosed with Spina Bifida Myelomeningocele, hydrocephalus, and Chiari II Malformation at his 20 week ultrasound. Spina Bifida is the most frequently occurring, permanent disability, in babies. Rhett’s condition is the most severe form of spina bifida, where the spinal cord and surrounding membranes are open to the skin surface. Just a few days after birth, Rhett had his back closure surgery and a shunt placed to relocate the extra fluid in his brain to his abdomen where the body can safely and effectively absorb it. Since then, Rhett has been determined to prove that Spina Bifida isn’t going to slow him down. Even through multiple surgeries, and long hospital stays, Rhett continues to thrive and prove his independence. Just recently, he’s mastered independently sitting! This past spring, Rhett and his own Sandlot buddies took to the field and played under the Shining Stars Tball league. A local league for children like Rhett, who face various medical challenges, but have a love for the game and friendship just like the boys of “The Sandlot.” Last year, because of your support, Stevie’s World of Wiffleball was able to provide 8 canopy tents for Shining Stars to provide shade for the dugouts. By supporting Stevie’s World of Wiffleball, your contributions will help Rhett and his family offset expenses incurred throughout his medical journey: “Remember, kid; there’s heroes and there’s legends. Heroes get remembered, but legends never die. Follow your heart, kid, and you’ll never go wrong.” You can follow Rhett’s journey by visiting his Facebook page: Rhett’s Journey!
Meet Aeryn! Diagnosed last year with leukemia, Aeryn is showing cancer she isn’t something to mess with! With her infectious smile and vibrant personality, this little 5 year old isnt letting her medical battle slow her down. Earlier this year, Aeryn led a parade through town, complete with a deputy escort, and raised over $1500, which she so graciously donated to Dayton Children’s Hospital to help other kids with feeding tubes just like her. With a heart as big as her smile, Aeryn is continuing to make brighter the days of kids fighting medical battles just like her— she also raised money for Glimmer of Hope, an organization that provides bald American Girl dolls to chemo kids. This girl truly is a star, she’s constantly finding ways to sprinkle kindness wherever she goes. She’s taken on more than any child should, and she’s doing it all with style and grace, and her own flair; she’s living proof that you can make lemonade out of lemons! And she sure serves it up ice cold with an extra spoonful of sweetness! If you’d like to follow along in Aeryn’s fight, check out her page: https://m.facebook.com/LittleWarriorAeryn/ UPDATE: Stevie’s World of Wiffleball presented Aeryn and her family with a $5000 check towards her continuing care. Since then, Aeryn turned 6 and started Kindergarten! She continues to improve, recently needing to use her walker less, and looking forward to ringing the bell signaling the end of her chemotherapy treatments! Aeryn has spent the last year as an ambassador for No Child Fights Cancer Alone Charity. Her work with NC4K includes traveling all over the state raising money for kids just like herself. Most recently Aeryn marched on the field with THE Ohio State marching band as a guest baritone! She also custom designed a collection for the jewelry brand, Kendra Scott. This collection went live September 1st to kick off Childhood Cancer Awareness Month with the proceeds benefiting NC4K.
Aeryn Grace, 2020/2021 Stevie’s World of Wiffleball Recipient
Eli just turned 4 months old and we bet you’ve never seen a sweeter smile on a warrior than this little guy. Diagnosed with a rare heart condition (Congenitally Corrected Transposition of the Greater Arteries), Eli’s little heart is essentially wired backwards and is working in overdrive. CCTGA is a condition in which both ventricles are flip flopped, and eventually, over time this wears the ventricles out, and surgery (and possible transplant) is pertinent. And if that wasn’t already a big enough battle for our sweet friend, he’s facing some other significant heart complications including holes in both his atria and ventricles, and a common AV valve. Yeah, no doubt this buddy is a fighter. Mom, Amanda Kennedy Eaton, and Dad, Zack, are Springfield natives. Zack serves proudly in our Air Force, and is currently serving in the Ohio Air National Guard. Eli is little brother to big sister Claire. And you already know, she’s as sweet as her baby brother. Just look at how smitten she is over him! Eli has a very hard and long road ahead of him, and the rarity of his condition, forces the family to seek professional care in Michigan. With such a significant heart condition, even the future of what heart surgery is best (and when) for this little guy, is still undecided. But one thing is definite, Eli isn’t letting this stop him from bringing joy to everyone who knows him! And this is our “why” at Stevie’s World of Wiffleball. Because just one look at sweet Eli’s smile, you can’t help but fall in love. You can follow along with Eli’s journey by following his page: Team Eli. UPDATE: Stevie’s World of Wiffleball presented Eli with a combined check for $. towards his multiple heart surgeries and continuing care. Eli is now 4 years old! Eli had a heart cath surgery in 2018, open heart surgery in 2019, another heart cath in early 2020 and a complex open heart surgery in summer of 2020. Despite all he’s been through, Eli is thriving now and, by God’s grace, is enjoying life to the fullest! Eli played soccer this year and spends his days playing with his big sister, Claire, and playing super heroes. Eli still sees his cardiologist twice a year and takes heart medication 3 times each day; however, his team of physicians, and family, are hopeful that his heart repairs last and he won’t need any other heart surgeries for a long time.
Eli Eaton, 2018/ 2019 Stevie’s World of Wiffleball Recipient
Leah and Ellie Miller, 2017 Stevie’s World of Wiffleball Recipients
We are honored and humbled to announce 2017's Stevie's World of Wiffleball beneficiary.... or beneficiaries, Leah and Ellie Miller! Leah, 13, and little sister Ellie, 3 ( #sisterssurvivingSMA), daughters of Nikki Cordell-Miller and Scott Miller, are this years SWOW honorees. Both sisters were born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1, the most severe form of SMA, a debilitating genetic disorder that affects the part of the nervous system that controls voluntary muscle movement. Given a life expectancy prognosis of only 2 years, Leah just celebrated her 13th birthday, and Ellie will be turning 4 in November. These girls are the epitome of survivors. UPDATE: Stevie’s World of Wiffleball presented Leah and Ellie with a $10000 check. After receiving the check, the funds were used to pour a driveway at girls’ home to allow the girls to be loaded and unloaded from their vehicles safely off the road. Leah is a SENIOR, she’ll be graduating this spring from Springfield High School! Celebrating her 18th birthday this year, when doctors didn’t think she’d make it past her 2nd, proves Leah is nothing short of a miracle, with the most beautiful soul, big heart and loving personality. She has grown so much in making decisions and goals for herself, especially her love for Bath and Body Works lotions, and she continues to persevere and thrive. Ellie is now in the third grade! She’s full of sass and spunk and everything sweet. She recently received her First Communion at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church. Just like every 9 year old girl, Ellie loves to swim, smell the flowers, and roll her eyes at her mom a time or two! Hey, we did say she’s full of sass! She continues to triumph over her SMA diagnosis and persevere. This sweet girl was born with a heart of gold; Annabelle is fascinated with meeting kids just like her and learning about their stories. Even though she enjoys living a life of “normalcy,” this girl is anything but normal— Annabelle has made it her mission to find helpful ways for children just like her through Bree’s Blessings, an organization that uses art and music to help children cope with their medical diagnosis and journey. Even at such a young age, Annabelle has made such an impact in the lives of the children that she’s met— and she’s not stopping there. There’s no doubt this girl is going to leave a legacy of love and kindness in our world, and she’s already doing it with a smile on her face! UPDATE: Stevie’s World of Wiffleball presented Annabelle and her family with a $5000 check towards her continuing care. Since then, Annabelle turned 6 and is in 1st grade. After two years of chemotherapy, she rang the bell and finished chemotherapy on August 26th, 2022. She’s enjoying spending time with her sisters and celebrating her cancer free diagnosis with her classmates. Rhett was diagnosed with Spina Bifida Myelomeningocele, hydrocephalus, and Chiari II Malformation at his 20 week ultrasound. Spina Bifida is the most frequently occurring, permanent disability, in babies. Rhett’s condition is the most severe form of spina bifida, where the spinal cord and surrounding membranes are open to the skin surface. Just a few days after birth, Rhett had his back closure surgery and a shunt placed to relocate the extra fluid in his brain to his abdomen where the body can safely and effectively absorb it. Since then, Rhett has been determined to prove that Spina Bifida isn’t going to slow him down. Even through multiple surgeries, and long hospital stays, Rhett continues to thrive and prove his independence. Just recently, he’s mastered independently sitting! This past spring, Rhett and his own Sandlot buddies took to the field and played under the Shining Stars Tball league. A local league for children like Rhett, who face various medical challenges, but have a love for the game and friendship just like the boys of “The Sandlot.” Last year, because of your support, Stevie’s World of Wiffleball was able to provide 8 canopy tents for Shining Stars to provide shade for the dugouts. By supporting Stevie’s World of Wiffleball, your contributions will help Rhett and his family offset expenses incurred throughout his medical journey: “Remember, kid; there’s heroes and there’s legends. Heroes get remembered, but legends never die. Follow your heart, kid, and you’ll never go wrong.” You can follow Rhett’s journey by visiting his Facebook page: Rhett’s Journey!
3 years ago, we had the greatest honor in celebrating a great kid fighting the hard battle against cancer. Our 2016 Stevie’s World of Wiffleball recipient, Barrett Fitzsimmons, had the kind of smile that set your heart on fire. A truly great kid, who didn’t let cancer stop him from swinging for the fences. It’s with the heaviest hearts that we share Barrett has passed away May 28, 2019. Barrett didn’t lose his battle to cancer, because kids like Barrett never quit, they never give up. Barrett fulfilled his purpose on Gods earth and God decided it was time for him to return to his home in Heaven. Today, we celebrate Barrett for bringing so much joy into the lives of those who knew him and loved him. Today, we remember his million watt smile and ornery personality. Today, we remember his perseverance and tenacity, and his passion to never give up. Today, we cherish the lessons he taught us, at such a young age, to live in the moment and celebrate those moments we are given. Today, we hold the entire Fitzsimmons family in our hearts, and lift them up in prayer for peace and comfort. Today, we share with them our stories, our smilies, our memories, so that their future journey on this earth, without their beautiful boy, never lets them feel alone. Today, we spend in reflection. In memory of our friend, a child, a brother, a son, Barrett Fitzsimmons. Today, we remember, and tomorrow, we never forget. We are with you, carrying you in our hearts, offering you up in our prayers, and asking God to hold you in his hands.
Barrett Fitzsimmons, 2016 Stevie’s World of Wiffleball Recipient
