Five-year-old Jeremiah Lee rounded the bases hand in hand with Bryce Harper Sunday at Citizens Bank Park, hitting a ceremonial home run after a cancer battle that began when doctors found a mass on his kidney. Jeremiah's parents, Rashid and Briani Lee, later shared details of his treatment journey, which included chemotherapy before doctors declared him cancer-free.
The moment, which unfolded ahead of the Phillies' 1:10 p.m. Sunday matchup against the division-rival Atlanta Braves, was captured by CBS News Philadelphia. The game fell during the Phillies' final regular-season Labor Day weekend homestand, according to MLB.com, and was part of the club's 10th annual Childhood Cancer Awareness Day, presented alongside Nemours Children's Health.
A Decade-Long Tradition at Citizens Bank Park
Sunday's tribute was part of the Phillies' 10th annual Childhood Cancer Awareness Day. Beyond Jeremiah's home run trot, the day featured a pregame “Lineup of Courage,” in which pediatric cancer patients stood on the field alongside players during the national anthem, followed by a sixth-inning “Go Gold” moment when fans throughout the stadium waved gold ribbon prints.
The day's tribute also focused on childhood cancer awareness.
Nemours' Role in Treating Delaware Valley Families
Sunday's event was presented alongside Nemours Children's Health.
Jeremiah's diagnosis reflects a broader pattern in pediatric oncology. Wilms tumor, the most common form of pediatric kidney cancer, accounts for 5% to 7% of childhood cancers and most frequently affects children between ages 2 and 5, according to global research published by the Wilms Cancer Foundation. When detected early, five-year survival rates for the condition exceed 90% in high-income countries. The available sources do not provide a separate estimate for childhood cancer diagnoses in 2026 or an overall five-year survival figure.
Harper's Long History With Young Cancer Patients
Bryce Harper's turn escorting Jeremiah around the bases fits a pattern that stretches back over a decade. Harper launched his charitable program Harper's Heroes in 2013, partnering with cancer organizations to host patients and their families at games, according to 3BL Media. He started the program after watching a high school friend and family members battle the disease.
Sunday's ceremony centered on childhood cancer awareness at Citizens Bank Park.
