The White Sox proudly joined MLB and all Clubs in raising awareness for childhood cancer through a special ballpark-wide Childhood Cancer Awareness Day, presented by CIBC.
In collaboration with non-profit partners Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation, Cal’s Angels, Dragonfly Foundation, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana, RUSH and Special Spaces, the White Sox invited local families impacted by pediatric cancer to participate in the following gameday programming:
Pregame Gold Ribbon Formation
In a moving display of solidarity, approximately 100 children impacted by pediatric cancer joined together in center field to form a gold ribbon. Parents and loved ones rallied behind the group cheering them on from the outfield warning track.
In-Game Bell Ringing
During the game’s third inning, three children “rang the bell” to mark the end of their cancer treatment journeys:
- David Jones, age 2, of Hoffman Estates, completed treatment for AML Leukemia thanks to a lifesaving bone marrow transplant from his sister.
- Cody Blair, age 10, diagnosed with T-cell leukemia in 2022, celebrated finishing treatment stronger and prouder than ever.
- Maddie Kirchner, age 17, overcame osteosarcoma and recently joined her classmates back at school for her senior year.
A special tribute to Childhood Cancer Awareness Day, 1983 AL Rookie of the Year Ron Kittle created the ballpark’s “cancer-free bell” that each kid autographed to commemorate their special milestone.
Pre-Game Activations
- Game Ball Delivery — The White Sox honored 10-year-old Keagyn Schnitz of Yorkville, who has been courageously undergoing treatment for ewing’s sarcoma since February 2025.
- Lineup Card Exchange — Fifteen-year-old Carter Ray, who during a battle with acute lymphoblastic leukemia paid forward countless gifts to homeless individuals across Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, facilitated the lineup card exchange.
- Play Ball Announcement — Aidan Munoz, a 15-year-old from Highland, announced “play ball” ahead of the game. Munoz was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma in August 2023, and after months of care, he celebrated being cancer-free in December of that same year.
- Take the Field Recognition — Seven children served by Cal’s Angels joined White Sox players on the field as they took their respective defensive positions. The non-profit has raised more than $33 million to bring hope and support to thousands of families throughout Illinois and beyond, and earlier this season, helped invite a dozen kids to a heartwarming “Reverse Signing” event at the ballpark. A touching twist on the traditional fan interaction, kids shared custom-designed Topps trading cards as players and coaches collected their autographs.
“Childhood Cancer Awareness Day is one of the most meaningful initiatives of our season. We are deeply grateful to CIBC and our non-profit partners, whose dedication makes this day possible. These families’ courage inspires us all, and we hope Sunday’s game raises further awareness and crucial funding to support all those touched by pediatric cancer.” –Christine O’Reilly, White Sox Charities executive director.
Families wore custom-designed gold T-Shirts in recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Day, which featured messages of inspiration and motivation for their respective journeys. Fans interested in purchasing a limited quantity of these shirts can email charities@chisox.com, with all net proceeds benefiting Chicago White Sox Charities (CWSC) cancer research and treatment initiatives.
As the White Sox 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, CWSC works tirelessly to lift up those most in need throughout the Chicagoland area. To date, CWSC has donated more than $50 million to non-profit organizations, which includes more than $12 million specifically championing those battling pediatric cancer.
White Sox Recognize Childhood Cancer Awareness Day at Rate Field was originally published in Inside the White Sox on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.