Cannon Van Daele, a 17-year-old high school pitcher from San Juan Capistrano, was among ten pediatric oncology patients from UCLA Health honored at Dodger Stadium during Major League Baseball’s Childhood Cancer Awareness Night on September 17. The event marked the league’s tenth year of recognizing survivors and patients battling pediatric cancer.
Diagnosed in May 2024 with cholangiocarcinoma, a rare bile duct cancer, Cannon has been unable to play baseball since his diagnosis. He attended the game with his family and participated in pre-game activities alongside other young patients. “It’s been a pretty brutal path,” Cannon said. “My body has deteriorated, but I try my best to stay active.” His father added, “He’s persevering. UCLA Health has been awesome. When Cannon got diagnosed, we didn’t know anything about cancer. His entire care team has been great at answering all our questions. Our goal is to just beat this.”
The evening included making bracelets and necklaces and enjoying ballpark food before the group watched batting practice from the field. Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw greeted the children and signed autographs on T-shirts designed by pediatric patients at UCLA Health’s outpatient infusion center.
Among those attending was Andrea Altamirano, 17, who recently completed treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma. “I’m here to enjoy the night with my family, just have fun, and support our hometown team,” she said.
Seven-year-old Mila Fuller attended her first baseball game after being diagnosed with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma earlier in the year. Her parents noted her excitement as she received autographs from players including Emmet Sheehan.
During the ceremony on the field, several UCLA Health nurses were also recognized as part of Nurses Night. Johnny Brande, 15, who is undergoing treatment for Ewing sarcoma—a bone cancer—threw out the ceremonial first pitch after receiving blood and platelet transfusions less than a day before.
Reflecting on their experiences with cancer treatment at UCLA Health, both Andrea and Cannon spoke about how their diagnoses changed their perspectives on life. Andrea said: “Especially going through cancer treatment… it really makes you appreciate the little things in life and every single moment you’re given because you never know when that’s going to be taken away from you.” Cannon shared: “I now realize I can get through anything as long as I have faith.”
UCLA Health provides research-driven care for young patients facing a range of medical conditions—from common ailments to complex diseases—offering support for children up to age 21.
