Jul 1, 2008 10:14 pm US/Central
Swisher Hosts 8-Year-Old Cancer Survivor
CHICAGO (AP) ―
Adam Bender is usually pretty talkative but he had a hard time finding any words Tuesday when Chicago White Sox first baseman Nick Swisher welcomed the eight-year-old to U.S. Cellular Field.
Bender, who had his left leg amputated at the age of one after a successful battle against cancer, came to Swisher's attention after he read an article documenting the Lexington, Ky., native's exploits as a catcher in little league.
Bender, who can catch and throw while balancing on his right leg, received a personalized White Sox jersey with Swisher's number 30 on the back.
"This is a huge thrill. I've had his article up in my locker for about a month now and that kind of seemed to be when everything turned around," said Swisher, who started slowly this season but has recently been one of the White Sox's hottest hitters with two grand slams over the previous four games.
Bender's appearance came on the first anniversary of Swisher's charitable organization, Swish's Wishes, which assists with medical and childhood care, education, recreational activities and other programs for kids.
"Having someone like Adam to be here, he's such an inspiration for so many people," Swisher added. "For them to come and meet us is special, but for us to meet people like this is even more special."
Bender called the experience "cool" and said going into the clubhouse was the highlight of the day. Bender played catch with Swisher before the game and had his picture taken with several White Sox players.
Bender, who also caught a ceremonial first pitch from Swisher, was accompanied by his older brother Steven, 9, and younger sister Morgan, 5, as well as parents Chris and Michelle, who were all flown in by Swisher.
"We've been lucky," Chris said. "It's an orthopedic problem and you can overcome an orthopedic problem. We don't have neurological problems. It was all in the leg and we've had five years of clear CAT scans."
(© 2008 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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