Kyle’s Kamp, round two

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Tyler, who before struggled with Acute Lymphoblastic Lymphoma (ALL), is seen here hanging out with our very own members of the Spartan Baseball team.

Brittany Norris, Page One Editor

Kyle’s Kamp was created in 2010 by the family of a child, Kyle Hahne, who was battling Leukemia. It originated to update friends and family of his condition, but quickly grew into something much bigger. Kyle’s Kamp has raised more than $1,500,000 for pediatric cancer research for Children’s National Medical Center since 2012.
In the past two years, the Spartan Baseball team has been involved in Kyle’s Kamp, most recently last week, in which they invited Tyler Crabtree, a survivor of Acute Lymphoblastic Lymphoma (ALL), to enjoy a special game dedicated to him from the dugout and experience throwing the first pitch of the game.
“I think Tyler loves having a day dedicated to him and the other kids having to fight the tough battle against pediatric cancer,” said junior Rami Nabhan. “It takes Tyler a little time to get used to all the attention, but once he realizes we’re all here to support him and play for him, he really embraces it.”
Students, parents, and teachers came to the event to show their support for not only the team, but for Tyler, who lives in Springfield. Fans said the game helped them realize that most of us are exceptionally lucky compared to other people in our world.
“This event gives me a chance to reflect on how blessed I am,” said sophomore Jared Lyons. “It motivated me to help out charities and organizations whenever I can.”
With the baseball players having this opportunity to make Tyler one of their own, it gave them incentive to try their hardest for this special game. Knowing Tyler was watching and rooting for the team right there with them gave the Spartans the motivation they needed.
“Personally, it’s an excellent motivator knowing that there are kids out there looking up to you through the tough times they endure and it really makes you grateful for what you have,” said Nabhan.
Although this baseball game was important to many of the players, it wasn’t only about the game itself. The game was solely about Tyler and what they could do to make the experience better for him. They played games with him in the dugout and had countless conversations ranging from how he’s feeling lately to how much he loves his FitBit.
This reminds the Spartans that it’s important to understand other things besides just a sport.
Despite the evening loss to the Annandale Atoms, the Spartan baseball family felt like they came out with a win due to having Tyler there with them to enjoy the game. Kyle’s Kamp gave WS and Tyler something you can’t get just anywhere, and for that, our baseball team is grateful.
“I think it’s important to have this event because it puts things into perspective, and although baseball is huge part of what we do, it isn’t everything,” said Nabhan. “Having the opportunities that other kids don’t have is something we can’t take for granted and Kyle’s Kamp reminds us of that.”