Take Me Out to the Ball Game!

Tuesday was a gorgeous night for a ball game and an exciting day​ for Connecting Champions kids Austin and Sean! When asked if we knew anyone that would want to throw the ceremonial first pitch at the Pirates game, we knew just who to call. 

Two-time champion over cancer, Austin, threw the first pitch of the game to fellow cancer defeater and close friend, Sean. Cool, calm, and collected, the boys didn’t bat an eye at the pressure of being in front of thousands of people. They have been through much tougher situations together. 

After a flawless first pitch, the boys, along with Austin’s grandmother and Sean’s dad, got to enjoy the game from incredible seats in the Lexus Club, while the rest of the families and Connecting Champions friends watched from the stands, complimentary or AT&T SportsNet. 

​We even managed to get our hands on a foul ball! 

Austin and Sean are both alumni of the Connecting Champions program. Austin, who wants to be a star athlete, was matched with the Carlow men’s basketball team. Sean, who wants to be a sports broadcaster, was matched with the Pirates own broadcaster Joe Block.

Austin and Sean were featured in an article by Noah Hill. Check out his story here! 

And a special thank you to AT&T SportsNet for making this experience possible!

Activity Kits

National Geographic Science Magic Kit

​Help 8-year-old Joe

Future Scientist

Get a science experiment kit to explore with his mentor!
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​Help 9-year-old Myla

Future Artist

Get art supplies to create with her mentor!
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Help 23-year-old Erik

Future Coffee Barista

Get coffee supplies to learn how to create specialty drinks with his mentor!

The pandemic showed many people what social isolation is really like. It also showed there are many other great ways to connect. That’s why we launched our activity kits. These mailed out packages provide fun activities for our mentors and kids/young adults to do together — virtually.

We're excited to meet you! Let us know what you're interested in below.

Click here to sign up for Connecting Champions or to refer a patient or child/young adult

Click here to contact us about everything else! (Volunteering, hospital partnerships, corporate sponsorships, newsletter, jobs/internships, other)

Reach Out to Us

Or contact Friendship@ConnectingChampions.org / 412.376.3755