Alan Bridgeford lost his eyesight to cancer as a young child, and fought to keep his singing voice as he grew older.
On Sunday, the 17-year-old stepped onto the field to throw out the first pitch and sing the national anthem for the Fireball Classic, a softball fundraiser for the American Cancer Society 's Camp Goodtimes West.
"It felt good, ' Bridgeford said about singing and the ovation he received. "It was my dream come true. "
Tacoma firefighters took to the field against Seattle firefighters in a reincarnation of a classic game that used to be held at the Tacoma Dome. This time around, the teams played in front of a crowd at Cheney Stadium. All the proceeds go toward Camp Goodtimes, a summer camp for children with cancer.
"It 's a chance to get out, have a good time and make a difference for someone, " said Sally Bose, event director for the American Cancer Society. "This time they are making a difference for Camp Goodtimes. "
Camp Goodtimes is an annual camping trip for children ages 7 to 17 with cancer. Laura Sechier, herself a cancer survivor, has been involved with the camp since its beginning and has seen both the event and its community support grow.
"It 's a real battle to be a child with cancer, and having a community that supports them is really important, " she said.
At Sunday 's game, campers hopped on the dugout to sing camp songs between innings, and enjoyed hotdogs and nachos while the firefighters took the field.
Tacoma Fire Lt. Trent Wohlfeil said firefighters decided it was time to renew the rivalry, and found the right cause to play.
"Anything to get people to the ballpark and support a good cause is a win-win, " he said.
It wasn 't the first time Bridgeford was able to sing at a game. He previously sang at an Everett Aqua Sox game, said his mother Carrie of Bothell. Sunday was an opportunity for him, and the event helped the camp that he loves.
"I just want him to have more opportunities, " she said.
Brian Everstine: 253-597-8374
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Copyright (C) 2009, The News Tribune, Tacoma, Wash.