2 Leukemia Warriors at the Nationals

Posted: Sep 13, 2023

Thanks to the generosity of the Washington Nationals, not one but two Casey Cares kids in remission for leukemia received a special gameday experience.

Meet Sawyer and Konstantina! They were both diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2020. The 8-year-olds watched Nationals players during batting practice, got autographs from the players afterwards, and then sat with their families in VIP seats to watch the Marlins vs Nationals game.

“The Nationals are my favorite team!” states Sawyer. Coincidentally, Sawyer also plays Little League for Capitol Hill LL, and all the teams are the labeled as the “Nats.”

Jenna says, "We cannot thank you enough for such a wonderful and magical evening. This will be a core memory that the boys and our family will cherish for a lifetime. Sawyer getting to meet the players, get his ball signed and watch all of it up close and personal is just unforgettable, especially for a kid who loves baseball and plays it himself! We also know Konstantina's family and so we were so excited to see them and have this experience with them!"

Sawyer was diagnosed in February 2020 at the age of 4.

His mother states, “Cancer was extremely hard on Sawyer and our family, and then COVID really upheaved things. Sawyer went through two and a half years of treatment, much of it in the height of COVID. He had countless chemotherapy infusions, lumbar punctures, blood transfusions and thousands of pills during that time. Throughout all of it, he always showed bravery and strength.”

She continues, “We are happy to say that Sawyer has been off treatment for a year and he's doing well! He plays guitar and baseball, loves to swim and enjoys hanging with his family, especially his little brother Hudson. He just started 3rd grade. Sawyer has shown such resiliency for a kid his age and we are so proud of him.”

Stevenson says, “My favorite thing about Casey Cares is getting to go to the fun events with my family.  I've been able to see Monster Jam and go to the King Tut exhibit, which were both really cool.  They also thought of me on my birthday and sent an awesome bag and book.”

Konstantina was diagnosed in September 2020 at age 5.

“She completed her [leukemia] treatment November 2022. We are so glad that she’s completed her treatment and approaching one year off treatment!” says her mother Maria.

Maria states, “Our favorite part of Casey Cares is the awesome PJs and pizza party that they sent to us straight to our door. Konstantina and her brother Elias had the best time enjoying the pizza, popcorn, and PJs. It was such a memorable evening.”

The game is all the more special to Konstantina just celebrated her 8th birthday two days after the game.

“We could not be more thrilled!” says her father Dimitrios.

The Washington Nationals have partnered with the Casey Cares Foundation since 2012, providing the nonprofit with tickets for critically ill children to watch baseball games and special experiences.

Watch their interview with Jennifer Delgado from FOX5 DC, who is a cancer survivor herself - HERE!