Atlanta Braves players spend time with cancer patients

ATLANTA, Ga. (WSAV) – Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta had some very special visitors last week. Spencer Strider and Tyler Matzek of the Atlanta Braves took time to hang out with cancer and blood disorders patients and staff at Scottish Rite Hospital.

The Braves mascot Blooper, as well as the players’ wives also joined in on the fun where they brought smiles, laughter, and plenty of swag to the young fans.

Atlanta Braves Tyler Matzek (left) Blooper (center) and Spencer Strider spend time with patients and staff at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

According to the U.S. Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), although cancer in children is rare compared with cancers typically diagnosed in adults, cancer is still the leading cause of death from disease in this age group.

About 15,000 children and adolescents younger than 20 years, and more than 21,000 young adults aged 20 to 30 years, are diagnosed with cancer each year in the United States.

The CDC says death rates among children from birth to age 14 have dropped nearly 70% over the past 40 years.