ATLANTA, July 18, 2012 – Atlanta Braves Catcher Brian McCann and his wife, Ashley will host six Rally Kids, children who have fought or are currently fighting cancer, and their families at the Wednesday, July 18, 2012, Atlanta Braves game against the San Francisco Giants.
The McCanns have been official spokespeople for Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research (Rally) since 2008 and are thrilled to host Rally Kids at the
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pre-game batting practice and the following game as guests of the team.
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“My wife Ashley and I have teamed up with Rally, and we feel there couldn’t be a more worthy cause to support. These children go through so much at a young age, but show so much courage and strength; it’s amazing and inspiring. No child should ever have to go through it, but if they do, they shouldn’t be alone,” said McCann. “Every time we meet a Rally Kid or hear one of their stories, we resolve to do everything we can to help Rally win in their fight against childhood cancer.”
Jenna, sister of Rally Kid Alexa, will sing the National Anthem at the start of the game. Alexa passed away in November of 2008 after an 11-year battle with cancer. She holds a special place in the McCanns’ hearts; she was one of the first Rally Kids the McCanns met.
Rally Kid Tori and her friend Emily Roach will serve as Honorary Captains for the evening and will take the field prior to the start of the game. Tori is fighting a brain tumor. She likes to sing and dance, and loves the Atlanta Braves. Emily supports her friend Tori in her battle against childhood cancer, and raised money for Rally in honor of her friend.
McCann Benefits Rally and All Kids Fighting Cancer Through Each Home Run Hit
The third annual McCann 16 Home Run Challenge will continue as a way for fans to pledge varying amounts of money that will be donated each time the six-time
All-Star catcher hits a homerun this season. Currently, more than $1,700 per home run has been pledged. Last year’s Challenge raised more than $70,000 for the cause.
"Every day in America, 46 families will find out that their child has cancer, and they all have the same question. 'What are you going to do to make my baby better?' Rally exists to help answer that question,” said Dean Crowe, Founder and CEO of Rally. “Through the efforts of the McCanns and others joining them in the McCann 16 Home Run Challenge, we are one step closer to finding a cure."
The McCanns began the McCann 16 Home Run Challenge as a way to rally all baseball fans together to enjoy the game while benefiting a good cause. Since joining Rally as spokespeople in 2008, they have helped raise more than $1.5 million through the McCann 16 Challenge, as well as additional fundraising events throughout the year.
About Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research (Rally)
Childhood cancer is the number one disease killer of kids ages 0 to 15. Rally, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Atlanta, empowers volunteers across the country to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research to find better treatments with fewer long-term side effects and, ultimately, cure. Volunteers participate in the Rally Athlete program, which offers half marathon training teams for select national races and other Rally fundraisers. Rally received the Independent Charities Seal of Excellence, and according to independently audited financials, 93 cents of every dollar raised, supports Rally’s mission. For more information, visit RallyFoundation.org.