HAVERTOWN, Pa. (CBS) – September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and the Phillies organization is doing its best to help families going through a difficult time.
On Thursday, they had a big surprise planned for Rosie McKenna, a 6-year-old Havertown girl battling two types of cancer.
While Rosie was in school, volunteers gave the bedroom she shares with her two older sisters an extreme makeover. The team spent hours painting, prepping and decorating it with sports-themed décor, including a giant Aaron Nola banner. They even taped 900 baseball cards to the ceiling.
“It’s like a whole new room,” said her big sister, Daniella McKenna, 11. “I was like, whose room is this? Is it mine or someone else’s?”
The Phillies chose Rosie for the makeover after she was identified by the J Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports children battling life-threatening illnesses.
“Rosie was chosen because of her fighting spirit and her love for the Fightin’ Phils,” said Steve D’Antonio, chairman of the J Foundation.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, 5,000 children are diagnosed with brain cancer each year. Rosie was also diagnosed with leukemia.
“Rosie has had five years of treatments, 64 rounds of radiation to her brain,” said Julia McKenna, Rosie’s mother. “She has also had four brain surgeries.”
While Rosie’s journey hasn’t been easy, her mother is grateful for the community’s support. The family will also receive free tickets to one of the Phillies’ nine upcoming homecoming games.
“By giving back to our community and our fans,” said TJ Farrell, community and charitable events coordinator for the Phillies, “we show that while we may not have control over what happens on the field, we still try to make a difference off the field.”
