Feel Good Friday: Bowling Green Hot Rods celebrate cancer survivors during special night at the ballpark

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WNKY) – The names on the backs of Bowling Green Hot Rods jerseys represented more than just the players wearing them during Cancer Awareness Night on June 13.

They represented survivors, fighters and people whose lives have been impacted by cancer.

The Hot Rods hosted the special night at the ballpark, where players wore jerseys featuring the names of local cancer survivors and others affected by the disease. After the game, players met the people whose stories were represented on the field.

“It means the world to me,” Hot Rods outfielder Theo Gillen said. “The fact that they’re going to be here supporting us, like I want to be there, supporting them and be a part of their journey now because it’s now that I’m wearing their last name.”

For survivors attending the game, the night provided an opportunity to celebrate their journeys while standing alongside others who have faced similar challenges.

Melodie Tunney, an ovarian cancer survivor, attended the game shortly after completing chemotherapy and ringing the bell marking the end of her treatment.

“When they were doing the starting lineup and calling the people’s last names, I teared up because I could relate to every name that was on the back of a shirt,” Tunney said.

Tunney said the night showed her the strength that comes from connecting with others who have experienced cancer.

“I am in a fellowship with a wonderful group of people who have fought and like I’ve fought, and here I am,” Tunney said. “I mean, I’m in remission as of a couple of weeks ago.”

Ann Willis, a cancer survivor, said she hopes sharing stories like hers can help others going through their own battles.

“I just hope that I can be an inspiration for others,” Willis said. “Let them know that there are people out there that have been through it and can be there for you.”

For Vince Perriello, who has been a cancer survivor for 25 years, the night brought a mix of emotions.

“It took me by surprise,” Perriello said. “It was great.”

Perriello said seeing so many survivors together showed the importance of support and perseverance.

“It’s really sort of awful that so many of us have gone through this, but great that we’ve gotten through it,” Perriello said.

While the Hot Rods came to the field to play a baseball game, the night became about something much bigger, honoring the stories behind the names stitched onto their jerseys.