FLUSHING, N.Y., MAY 19, 2017 – The New York Mets today announced that local fan Randi Born has been chosen as the Mets Honorary Bat Girl and will attend the Mets’ Sunday, May 21st game versus the Los Angeles Angels at 1:10 p.m. at Citi Field.
Born will represent the Mets, receive pink MLB merchandise, and be recognized during pregame ceremonies after being selected as the Mets winner for Major Leagues Baseball’s 2017 Honorary Bat Girl Contest, which recognizes baseball fans who have been affected by breast cancer and who demonstrate a commitment to supporting the fight against the disease.
Born was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2015 at 25 years old after originally being denied a mammogram because of her age. Due to support from her doctor, Born was able to get a diagnosis, underwent a double mastectomy, and is now cancer free. During recovery from her surgery, she found comfort in watching New York Mets games and wanted to find a way to help other women going through a similar situation.
“I have tried to find platforms to share my story and [help] young women get mammograms regardless of age,” said Born. “If it weren’t for my doctor who insisted I have this checked, the cancer could have spread further before we realized what it was. [I am] sharing my story with hope I can reach even one young woman and let her know if something doesn’t feel right, fight to get your answers.”
Fans from across the United States and Canada shared how they, or their loved ones, support the cause to raise awareness and find a cure for breast cancer. The winners were selected by a panel of judges, including special guests, who chose the winning submissions based on the following criteria: quality of writing and description of personal connection to breast cancer, demonstration of commitment to the battle against the disease and public appeal (as determined by online fan votes). The complete list of winners, as well as their stories, can be found on HonoraryBatGirl.com.
The Honorary Bat Girl program was introduced in 2009 to raise additional awareness and support for the annual "Going to Bat Against Breast Cancer" initiative celebrated on Mother's Day. In eight years, thousands of unique testimonials have been submitted and more than 3 million fan votes have been cast. Going to Bat Against Breast Cancer is a Major League Baseball initiative supported by MLB charitable partners, Stand Up To Cancer and Susan G. Komen. This initiative raises awareness about the breast cancer cause, while also raising funds to support breast cancer research.
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