Savannah Bananas Surprise Boy Diagnosed With Brain Cancer With Free Tickets During Appearance in Alexandria
'Sebastian’s had a tough year. The little excitement and smiles that he has just lifts our spirits,' his mother Tammy Banh told The Zebra..
ALEXANDRIA, VA-On Saturday, June 28, an Alexandria Dunkin’ came to life for a Savannah Bananas takeover. The Georgia-based baseball exhibition team (think the Globetrotters of baseball) visited the donut and coffee establishment on Richmond Highway, the night after appearing at Nats Park while Washington is on a West Coast road trip. The meet-and-greet included a surprise for a lucky young fan.
Sebastian Banh, a nine-year-old boy diagnosed with brain cancer, was surprised with five free tickets to Saturday night’s game.
“Sebastian’s had a tough year. The little excitement and smiles that he has just lifts our spirits,” his mother Tammy Banh told The Zebra.
(Photo: Alexandra Nakamitsu)
Players from both the Bananas and another tea associated with their league, the Firefighters, signed balls and served customers ahead of their matchup this evening. Hundreds of enthusiastic fans wrapped around the building for the event.
Sebastian was diagnosed in February and has since undergone radiation treatments and chemotherapy. In addition to the tickets, Sebastian received Dunkin’ swag and free ice cream.
“He’s super excited to see the Savannah Bananas,” his mom said. “He’s a big baseball fan so he’s super excited to go.”
Dunkin’, which has a partnership with the Children’s National Hospital Foundation, offered tickets to the Banh family. Meagan Davis, Associate Director of Marketing and Communications for Children’s National Hospital Foundation, helped facilitate Sebastian’s surprise.
“This has been one of the most exciting days ever, seeing the joy on Sebastian and his family’s faces when he was surprised with tickets for Savannah Bananas is just stellar,” she said.
“A big part of our mantra is giving back to our community, and that’s exactly what this is,” said John Lunsmann, Area Business Consultant for Maryland, D.C., and Virginia for Dunkin’. “Personally, it gives me so much gratitude to be part of the environment we’re in.”
