THRILL FOR YOUNG FAN
P.E.I. boy who beat cancer throwing out first pitch at Toronto Blue Jays game
Seven-year-old Harrison Maye of P.E.I. has the opportunity of a lifetime next week when he’ll throw out the first pitch at a Toronto Blue Jays game.
The Fort Augustus resident was a patient of the IWK Health Centre in Halifax and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown where he underwent treatment for cancer.
Following five months of treatment, Harrison was officially declared cancer free, allowing him to return to the ball field this summer.
His love for baseball began as a toddler when he watched his father play recreationally in Fort Augustus.
At five years old, he joined the Dairy Queen Rally Cap baseball program in Stratford, which introduces players and coaches to the fundamentals of the game.
Harrison was only able to attend four practices before being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which attacks the lymphatic system and hinders the body’s ability to battle infections.
Despite the news, however, Harrison went to his baseball practice the same day as his diagnosis.
As part of its sponsorship with the Toronto Blue Jays and a more than 30-year involvement with Children’s Miracle Network and the IWK, Dairy Queen Canada has offered Harrison the opportunity to throw the first pitch at the Blue Jays vs. New York Yankees game at the Rogers Centre on Wednesday, Aug. 9.
This opportunity honours Harrison’s strength, bravery and unwavering enthusiasm throughout his difficult journey.
“Harrison and our family are beyond excited about the upcoming Blue Jays game,” says mom Sherri Maye.
During his time in Toronto, Harrison — who is now seven months cancer-free — will experience a tour of the Rogers Centre, run the bases on the field and meet Blue Jays mascot Ace, along with some of his favourite players.
Thursday, Aug. 10, is Miracle Treat Day at Dairy Queen where net proceeds from every Blizzard sold at participating restaurants will be donated to local Children’s Miracle Network member hospitals in the Maritimes proceeds will go to support the IWK.