The Dayton Dragons and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Ohio have been partnering since 2004 to bring Dragons fans the iconic Home Run for Life program. Each season, Anthem and the Dragons recognize brave children who, with the help of their families, friends, and health care team, are presently battling or have successfully overcome significant medical events in their young life.
Home Run for Life events are promoted in advance through newspaper ads, radio spots and the Dragons game program, PlayBall! A personalized newspaper ad in the Dayton Daily News tells each honoree's story a few days prior to their event. And the honoree's photo and story are featured on the fold-out inside front cover of the complimentary PlayBall! game program handed out to all attendees on the night of their Home Run for Life.
During each Home Run for Life, Anthem hosts the honoree and his/her support team of family, friends, doctors, and Anthem representatives in a luxury suite.
Each honoree is recognized on the field during an inning break. The honoree, their family and support team are taken onto the field and the honoree gets to take a symbolic lap around the bases to a standing ovation from the crowd.
In March 2023, right after her third birthday, Salem had what her parents thought was an allergic reaction to children’s makeup which included swelling of her eyelids and stomach. After a visit to her doctor, she continued to have other symptoms present including urination issues and being extremely fatigued.
Doctors concluded that Salem had minimal change disease (MCD) which results in nephrotic syndrome that causes your kidneys to not filter correctly. After courageously battling this disorder for a while Salem has been in remission for a little over a year now.
Unfortunately, while on vacation in April 2025, Salem started to have bloody stools and mouth sores. Her symptoms expanded to include rapid weight loss and extreme fatigue. Doctors tested Salem for various conditions to rule things out ranging from strep throat to colitis, but her symptoms continued through July of 2025. Salem’s parents knew things weren’t getting better and took her to the hospital for more testing to hopefully get a diagnosis.
Salem was admitted to the hospital on and off and was eventually diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in October 2025. After two weeks of intense treatments with infusions, she was in remission. Salem is now in the maintenance phase of treatment and hasn’t had a flare up in over a year for her IBD. Salem lives every day like a typical 6-year-old.
Through all the symptoms, testing, and treatments, Salem has been super strong. She is very excited to enter first grade this fall! Salem aspires to become a nurse when she grows up so she can help others. She loves vanilla ice cream with strawberries, painting, reading, and taking trips to Myrtle Beach.
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons applaud those who have been instrumental in Salem’s life, including her mom, dad, sister, family, friends, and her entire medical team.