Rady Children’s Patients Experience a Field Trip Like No Other at Padres Spring Training
For a group of teens from Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego, a recent trip to Padres spring training in Arizona was about much more than baseball. For these 19 patients of the Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, it was a chance to take a break from the hospital, connect with one another, make memories and simply be kids.
The trip offered a brief respite from appointments and treatments, and a reminder of what joy can feel like.
For many who were flying for the first time and others traveling without family, the journey could have felt overwhelming. Instead, Rady Children’s community partner Alaska Airlines ensured each kid felt supported, celebrated and cared for from departure to arrival.
Patients at the Park
That weekend, the group cheered on the Padres, soaking up the energy of the crowd and the excitement of the game. But what made the experience extra special was the fun the Padres provided, including a night at Dave & Busters with some of the players.
The Padres pulled out all the stops by making the young patients “Padres for a Day,” with behind-the-scenes access, batting cage sessions, player meet-and-greets, autographs and time to play and celebrate together.
Building friendships with others who share common challenges created unforgettable memories and made the young patients lifelong fans of their hometown team.
New Padres manager Craig Stammen shared these heartfelt sentiments:
“You guys and girls inspire us; you have fought harder than we ever had to fight. You are part of the Padres family just as much as the players and the coaching staff, so today you guys have free rein.”
A Community of Support
Rady Children’s carefully plans trips and other experiences to give teens navigating serious health conditions a sense of normalcy. This experience was made possible by generous donors and Alaska Airlines.
Behind the scenes, care teams at Rady Children’s work every day to support not just physical health, but emotional well-being, too. Opportunities like this reflect that commitment.
At the Peckham Center, care extends beyond treatment plans. It includes moments of connection, celebration and hope to highlight that pediatric care isn’t only about medicine; it’s also about community, resilience and joy.
For these teens, the trip was a chance to cheer, to laugh and to just be themselves. Sometimes, that can be just as important as any treatment.
Learn more about the Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.