Cornish, Maine – As part of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s continued commitment to supporting the prevention and treatment of cancer and the work of the Maine Children’s Cancer Program (MCCP), 6-year-old Quinn Wilson was honored as an Anthem Hero at Hadlock for the courage she displayed battling cancer at such a young age.
Quinn, of Cornish, is the second of three Anthem Heroes at Hadlock to be recognized during the 2021 season. The pre-recorded ceremony took place prior to the July 23 Portland Sea Dogs game.
“Despite her young age, Quinn is the face of courage and perseverance as she battles a rare kidney cancer, and that’s why we are honored to recognize her as an Anthem Hero at Hadlock”
said Denise McDonough, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine. “We’re especially proud to support the Maine Children’s Cancer Program and the good work they do to treat kids like Quinn.”
In late March, Quinn’s parents noticed a bulge on the left side of her abdomen. After being seen by her primary care doctor, Quinn was brought to Maine Medical Center, where an ultrasound revealed a large mass growing on her left kidney. Quinn was immediately admitted to the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital, where she had emergency surgery that same weekend to remove her kidney and a large tumor called a Wilms’ tumor. Quinn is still on active treatment today for cancer and will be until the fall. Despite facing such adversity, Quinn’s parents said she has maintained joy, laughter, smiles, and silly faces, and credit BBCH and MCCP doctors, nurses, CNAs, child life workers and medical personnel for comforting their worries and anxieties.
“We are so grateful for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s support of our program through the Anthem Heroes at Hadlock ceremonies,” said Jaime McCaffrey, Maine Children’s Cancer Program Child Life Specialist. “Our patients and families go through so much during their journey with childhood cancer, and being able to provide hopeful, triumphant moments – like these celebrations of strength and bravery – means the world to our warriors and those who support them. This would not be possible without Anthem!”
The Anthem Heroes at Hadlock program provides children who have battled a serious medical condition a once-in-a-lifetime experience at Hadlock Field. Each honoree takes a celebratory home run lap around the bases of Hadlock Field prior to a Portland Sea Dogs home game (this year the runs were pre-recorded and shown on the jumbotron prior to the game). The children and their families also receive a number of Sea Dogs souvenirs and other VIP privileges at the game. The Anthem Heroes at Hadlock program will recognize one more courageous kid this season prior to the July 30 game.
