City of Hope scientists, health professionals and patients again will take to the field at the upcoming third annual ThinkCure Weekend at Dodger Stadium.
ThinkCure, the official charity of the Los Angeles Dodgers, supports critical cancer research at City of Hope and Childrens Hospital Los Angeles.
 City of Hope and Childrens Hospital Los Angeles researchers throw to Dodgers players during 2009’s ThinkCure Weekend (Photo courtesy Jon Soo Hoo Photography) |
The cancer awareness and fundraising drive takes place June 11 to 12 as the Dodgers battle the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Scheduled events include an online auction, telethon and radiothon, testimonials from cancer survivors and Dodgers players and staff, celebrity guests and in-stadium entertainment. Last year’s radiothon and telethon raised more than $240,000.
Local television and radio stations will broadcast live throughout the upcoming weekend to raise funds for cancer research by featuring inspiring stories of patients, doctors and caregivers. Dodger players and coaches will take part in the telethon, which will be broadcast on Fox Sports Net’s Prime Ticket cable station, and the radiothon, which will be hosted by KABC radio. Radio stations KLOS-FM and KHJ-FM and TV station KCAL 9 will carry additional coverage.
Dodgers alumni and wives will help answer donation calls to the ThinkCure hotline, 866-554-CURE. Fans can also make donations online at dodgers.com and thinkcure.org or by texting CURE to 50555 to make a $10 donation by mobile phone (standard text messaging rates apply).
The online auction begins on dodgers.com on June 8 and will run through June 14. Auction items include once-in-a-lifetime Dodger experiences, including a visit with Vin Scully in the broadcast booth, an Italian dinner with Tommy Lasorda, a 2011 Dodgers Spring Training trip and the chance to throw out the first pitch at a Dodger game, as well as autographed Dodgers memorabilia.
 Michael Eaves, left, interviews the Dodgers’ Casey Blake and his wife, Abbie Blake, during the 2009 ThinkCure Weekend. (Photo by Amber Matsumoto) |
For a donation to ThinkCure, fans will be able to take pictures with former Dodger greats. Last year, fans posed for photos with Steve Garvey, Ron Cey and Bill Russell, most of the team’s legendary infield from the 1970s and early 80s.
In addition, before the game, about two dozen City of Hope and Childrens Hospital Los Angeles physicians and researchers will take to the field, and each will throw out a ceremonial first pitch to a Dodgers player or coach. Pediatric patients also will meet Dodgers players on the field and serve as honorary bat boys or bat girls.
Launched in 2007 by the Dodgers, the McCourt family, City of Hope and Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, ThinkCure is dedicated to raising funds for critical cancer research and ultimately finding a cure for cancer.
For more information on the third annual ThinkCure Weekend, visit thinkcure.org.
