Kid-Designed Hat Giveaway, Pregame Gold Ribbon Formation and “Cancer-Free” Bell Ringing Highlight Hope-Filled Gameday at Rate Field
CHICAGO, Sept. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Chicago White Sox today announced highlights scheduled for Childhood Cancer Awareness Day, presented by CIBC, on Sunday, September 6 at 5:20 p.m. CT vs. Minnesota Twins.
In collaboration with RUSH, Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation, Cal’s Angels, Dragonfly Foundation, Make-A-Wish, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana (RMHC-CNI), Special Spaces and other community organizations supporting families impacted by pediatric cancer, the White Sox will dedicate gameday programming to honoring and raising awareness for those affected by this disease.
Highlights of the day include:
- Kid-Designed Hat Giveaway – Presented by CIBC, 10,000 fans who enter the ballpark receive the commemorative item, designed by four-year-old Melanie M. of Alsip, Illinois. A resilient and spirited young artist who is undergoing treatment for medulloblastoma, Melanie is known for performing the “Macarena” before each radiation and high-dose chemotherapy session. She and her family met several White Sox players earlier this season as part of an “ultimate wish” fulfillment offering respite from their treatment journey.
- Pregame Gold Ribbon Formation – In a moving display of solidarity, approximately 100 children, including siblings of those impacted by pediatric cancer, will join together in center field to form a gold ribbon. Parents and loved ones will rally behind the group cheering them on from the ballpark’s outfield warning track.
- Ceremonial First Pitches – Melanie’s neurosurgeon Dr. Dimitrios Nikas and 16-year-old Arlington Heights native Logan C., who is currently battling Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, are scheduled to deliver the game’s ceremonial first pitches.
- Game Ball Delivery – The White Sox will honor seven-year-old Alexander B. of Hinsdale, Illinois who is courageously undergoing treatment for an aggressive brain tumor discovered in 2023.
- Play Ball Announcement – Local teenager Evan L. who is currently battling osteosarcoma, will announce “play ball” ahead of the game. Evan’s family is volunteering with MIB Agents, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting children and families impacted by this rare pediatric bone cancer. #BecauseOfEvan awareness raises funds for the cause by helping place gold bows on mailboxes, front doors, classrooms, and businesses throughout the Berkeley community.
- Take the Field Recognition – Others battling pediatric cancer diagnoses, including Ky’Lin J., Justin R., James M. and Daria H., will join White Sox players on the field as they take to their respective defensive positions to start the game.
- In-Game Bell Ringing – An exciting capstone to the day’s programming, all fans are invited to partake in a between-inning ovation for Tanner B., Edric C. and Sadie W. as these individuals ring the White Sox “cancer-free” bell to mark the end of their treatment journeys.
“Childhood Cancer Awareness Day is one of the most powerful days of our season, providing families facing unimaginable challenges an opportunity to enjoy time together and create lasting memories,” said Christine O’Reilly, Executive Director of Chicago White Sox Charities (CWSC). “We are grateful to CIBC and our nonprofit partners, whose commitment helps make each experience personal and meaningful for all those welcomed to the ballpark. Our hope is to give a moment of joy and respite from the realities of a diagnosis while also raising awareness and critical support for these families.”
“Supporting the communities where we live and work is central to who we are at CIBC,” said Josée Wilson, Senior Vice President and U.S. Chief Human Resources Officer at CIBC. “The stories shared are powerful reminders of the extraordinary courage children and families facing cancer demonstrate every day. We’re honored to help create an experience that celebrates their strength, brings moments of joy and raises awareness for the ongoing fight against childhood cancer.”
Families will wear custom-designed gold T-Shirts in recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Day, which feature messages of inspiration and motivation for their respective journeys. Fans also will have the opportunity to purchase a limited quantity of these shirts at the Charities Corner in Section 154, with all net proceeds benefiting CWSC cancer research and treatment initiatives.
In August, the Sox and Cal’s Angels invited a dozen kids to a heartwarming “Reverse Signing” event at the ballpark. A touching twist on the traditional fan interaction, the youngsters shared custom-designed Topps trading cards as big-leaguers and coaches sought their autographs. This group is invited back to enjoy all of Sunday’s gameday programming. The nonprofit has raised more than $35 million to bring hope and support to thousands of families throughout Illinois and beyond.
As the White Sox 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, CWSC works tirelessly to lift up those in need throughout the Chicagoland area. To date, CWSC has donated more than $51 million to local nonprofits, which includes more than $12 million in funding that champions organizations and individuals battling pediatric cancer. For more information, visit whitesox.com/charities and follow along on X at @soxcharities.
More information is available at whitesox.com.
© 2026 Chicago White Sox
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SOURCE CIBC
