Baseball Star Sends Cancer Patients to Arizona Spring Training

Cancer treatment takes a major toll on a patient's mind, body and spirit. This is especially true for the young patients of Children's Hospital Colorado's Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders (CCBD). That's why this spring, the Colorado Rockies teamed up with the hospital to provide a much-needed respite for kids battling cancer and rare blood disorders.  

All-star shortstop and friend of Children's Colorado, Troy Tulowitzki, underwrote an all-expense paid trip to the Colorado Rockies spring training camp for more than 20 patients and their medical caregivers. While in Scottsdale, Ariz., the children enjoyed a spring training camp game, had meet-and-greet sessions with players and coaches and even got some one-on-one downtime with the players. 

More than just a vacation, the trip was the first time that many of the travelers had been away from home without their parents, fostering a sense of independence that is scarce when one battles a life-threatening disease. While their medical caregivers were present when needed, the teens were also in the company of their peers, establishing life-long friendships and support systems.

See media coverage of the trip to Arizona from The Denver Post. Also check out our photo album on Facebook.