SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCCNews) – What would have seemed like a regular ceremonial first pitch, was certainly more special Saturday night.
The pitcher was Dr. Thomas Vandermeer, hospital director of Upstate Cancer Center. And the catcher was Syracuse Mets relief pitcher Eric Orze, two-time cancer survivor.
With it being National Cancer Survivors Night at NBT Bank Stadium. Orze said this night is a special reminder of what having cancer taught him.
“It just put a lot of things into perspective for me because I thought I was a better baseball player than I was at the time. I thought I was probably a better human being than I was at the time,” Orze said. “So it was very important for me, I tell everybody it was like a blessing in disguise.”
Orze wasn’t the only survivor in attendance.
Around 1,000 registered cancer survivors and family members came to celebrate the day. They were honored with a pre-game parade around the field. All survivors were accessorized with white hats to signify being a survivor and it was a plentiful sight to see.
Whether a person was just diagnosed or has been cancer-free for decades, they were in attendance celebrating life. Social media and events coordinator for Upstate Cancer Center Chris Benton said a cancer survivor is not just someone who is cancer-free.
“So right after you are diagnosed with cancer, you’re considered a survivor.”
Benton said this night is meant for survivors to come with friends and family, to celebrate their resilience.
Sixteen-year-old breast cancer survivor Susanna Garrow had a lot of support with her, including her niece, who currently has breast cancer.
Garrow explained their relationship as silent partners who help each other through. She struggled to find many more words but found strength in her niece’s embrace.
Togetherness is what this night was all about.
As for the game, the Mets fell to the Bison’s 13-5 at NBT Bank Stadium but came back and won 7-1 on Sunday.
They are scheduled to play Tuesday at St. Paul vs. the Saints at 8 p.m.
