Sick Bel Air Boy Throws Oriole's First Pitch
The event was designed to brighten the day of an ailing child.
Photos
A Bel Air boy had the experience of a lifetime when he threw the opening ceremonial pitch at an Oriole's game.
Ashton Dean, age 7, of Bel Air was "ecstatic" to throw the first pitch at the July 1 Orioles game in Baltimore, according to a post by the Casey Cares Foundation.
Ashton suffers from a congenital brain malformation, and when he was six months old had a stroke due to the tangle of arteries and veins related to the malformation, according to a release from the foundation.
"Ashton has been through so much and the hardest thing as a parent is watching your child suffer," Betsy Dean, Ashton's mom, said in the release.
The boy has been on treatment through Johns Hopkins Hospital since the stroke, the release states.
The first-pitch opportunity was arranged by the Casey Cares Foundation, a non-profit that offers personalized programs to critically ill children and their families.
Do you know the Dean family? Share a comment.
HappieGrannie
2:32 pm on Friday, July 13, 2012
Way to go Ashton!!! You are an AWESOME little boy and it was my pleasure to meet you at Justin's Graduation Party. Hang in there Ashton
JP
2:53 pm on Friday, July 13, 2012
We love you Ashton! This was an amazing experience for an even more amazing family. Thank you to Casey Cares for this opportunity and all they do in the name of children!
Proudmomma
3:16 pm on Friday, July 13, 2012
We were so blessed by this amazing opportunity and can not thank Casey Cares and the Orioles enough:) Most importantly, I continued to be amazed by the strength of Ashton as he was feeling really rough this day but gave it his all:) He now wants to be a baseball player on top of the other 100 things he wants to do when he grows up:)
Toni Mingioni
4:19 pm on Friday, July 13, 2012
I work for the pediatricians office that Ashton comes to. When he walks in the door he brightens my day and puts a smile on my face. He is such an amazing little boy and he has such an amazing family. I am so happy that I was able to be there the day that he threw out the first pitch, the look on his face was well worth it all. Way to go Ashton, you did a great job! Love Ya! Miss Toni
gail jordan
6:44 pm on Friday, July 13, 2012
Ashton is my grandson-he is such an amazing young boy, he is so brave & this experience was truly a blessing for all of us. I was overwhelmed by how many cam eout to support him that day. And Dr. Lo's office-U ROCK!!!!
Jennifer
7:24 pm on Friday, July 13, 2012
I know the the grandparent's and uncle of Ashton ad I have meet Ashton and his parents and family functions he is an amazing little guy with so much spirit and courage. Ashton truly ROCKS. And he has an amazing support group with his family:) best of wishes and luck to him and hi family. Signed Jennifer and Larry Sheets an damily
jj
8:16 pm on Friday, July 13, 2012
Way to go Ashton you have allot of people on your team buddy!!!!
itiswhatitis
2:01 am on Saturday, July 14, 2012
Betsy, I am so excited for Ashton! This brought a huge smile to my face. Way to go Ashton!!!
daddys caddy
5:39 am on Saturday, July 14, 2012
what a blessing to have the deans as neighbors. ashton and jonah are the cutest boys. rich abd betsy thanks for all you do and may God continue to bless you.
JeffreyB
6:00 am on Saturday, July 14, 2012
Awesome job, Ashton! You were the MVP of the game.
Denise
10:08 am on Saturday, July 14, 2012
Just want to the Dean family to know that Ashton amazing young boy. He goes to my grand-daughters school. She is 5, and she is the one that noticed him throwing out the first pitch. She said he is a nice boy and I always say hi. Stay strong Ashton.
Shi Stupalski
1:24 pm on Saturday, July 14, 2012
I have been lucky enough to know the Dean family since Ashton was 2! He is such the sweetest boy and has a wonderful and fun personality! Ashton has been blessed with such AMAZING parents and family! Oh can't forget his awesome little brother too! I love you guys!!!!
Ruth Good
7:44 pm on Saturday, July 14, 2012
Ashton is such a honor to know. His mom worked with my son who has Autism when she was still in college. We have had the blessing to know this family for many years and have watched Betsy and Rich parent two amazing boys. We knew their mom was an awesome lady and continues to prove that with her boys. God Bless them all.
cml
10:21 pm on Sunday, July 15, 2012
Way to go Ashton! Best wishes!!!!
Casey Baynes
9:21 pm on Monday, July 16, 2012
Ashton you are an inspiration! Love having you in our programs!