Owen Blanton, 7-Year-Old with Leukemia, to Celebrate Anthem Home Run for Life at Wednesday's Dragons Game

DAYTON, Ohio -- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Ohio and the Dayton Dragons will host 7-year-old Owen Blanton during the iconic Anthem Home Run for Life program on Wednesday, June 12 when the Dayton Dragons take on the Great Lakes Loons at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm.

The Anthem Home Run for Life program provides children in the Dayton region battling serious medical conditions with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Each honoree gets to take a lap around the bases during a Dragons game at Day Air Ballpark while the crowd cheers them on.

Owen’s Story

Owen Blanton is an energetic 7-year-old who loves dinosaurs and playing outside on his swing set with his older brother Mason and twin brother Wyatt. He also enjoys eating mac and cheese. When Owen can’t be outside, he likes to play Jurassic Park on his PlayStation.

In June of 2021, Owen’s parents noticed swollen lymph nodes on Owen’s body. They went to urgent care where Owen was diagnosed with strep throat and prescribed antibiotics. The swelling did not reduce, and Owen was referred to an ear, nose, and throat doctor. The doctors suspected Owen had an abscess on his tonsils, prescribed additional antibiotics, and suggested coming back later for further evaluation. Owen’s symptoms worsened, including troubled breathing and night sweats.

The Blanton family was then referred to oncology specialists, where Owen was admitted for eight days. Tests confirmed a diagnosis of t-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Following his diagnosis, Owen went through intense chemotherapy treatment, which worked to reduce leukemia in his body.

In December of 2021, the Blanton family received great news. Leukemia was no longer detectable in Owen.

After nearly a year of intense treatments, Owen entered his maintenance phase. This includes a daily chemotherapy pill, monthly checkups, and infusions. Owen will be finished with all treatments in December.

Throughout their journey, Owen and his family have remained strong by taking things one day at a time, trusting their medical team, and leaning into faith.

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons applaud all those who have been instrumental in Owen’s life, including his mom, dad, older brother Mason, twin brother Wyatt, and entire medical team.

Join us during the Dragons game on Wednesday, June 12, to celebrate Owen’s Home Run for Life.

To learn more about Anthem Home Run for Life, visit daytondragons.com/hrfl.