Bowling Green State University Athletics
Falcon Baseball Adopts Pair Of Brothers Through Friends Of Jaclyn Foundation
April 14, 2014 | Baseball
Braeden and Bronson Steiner will be a part of Falcon baseball
Photo Gallery - Braeden and Bronson Steiner sign National Letters of Intent and meet team (Wednesday, Mar. 26)
Braeden & Bronson Steiner - Two Newest Falcons
The Bowling Green State University baseball team welcomed two new members of their family to the team on Wednesday (Mar. 26). Brothers Braeden Steiner (10) and Bronson Steiner (8) both struggle with a disease called neurofibromatoses which has caused both boys to have optic glioma brain tumors. The Steiner brothers got connected with the BGSU baseball team through an organization called Friends of Jaclyn, an organization for children with pediatric brain tumors.
Friends of Jaclyn pairs up children and their families with college or high school sports teams that will provide support and friendship to the children while they battle a tough disease. The boys got to sign a National Letter of Intent and were assigned lockers and jerseys during a press conference in the BGSU Baseball Locker Room. The boys will be a part of the Falcon baseball team and will be present at several games in uniform cheering on the team right from the dugout.
Toledo natives Braeden and Bronson were both diagnosed with their tumors at very young ages. Braeden was just 16 months old, while Bronson was 18 months old. Both boys have undergone chemotherapy, which has managed to stabilize Braeden's tumor and shrink Bronson's tumor. Both boys live happy, normal lives and are active in sports and other hobbies.
Neurofibromatoses is a set of distinct genetic disorders affecting one out of every 3,000 births. Individuals with NF1 are prone to develop benign tumors on the nerves or elsewhere on the body. NF1 also affects other tissues including bones, skin, blood vessels and eyes. NF1 is also known for causing learning disabilities. Half of the NF1 cases get it genetically inherited from a parent, while the other half get NF as the result of a mutation in the sperm or egg cell.
The disorder has caused both boys to develop optic nerve glioma, or brain tumors on the optic nerve, which controls sight. Braeden is legally blind in one eye and wears glasses in order to preserve the vision in his good eye and he also has bowing of his leg and wears a brace in order to protect the fragility of his tibia. Bronson however, has no vision problems.
The Friends of Jaclyn Foundation was founded by the family of Jaclyn Murphy, who was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, or a malignant brain tumor, at the age of nine. Jaclyn became connected to the Northwestern Women's lacrosse team and was later adopted as an honorary member. Northwestern went on to complete a magical "perfect season" with Jaclyn at their side, winning the team's first NCAA national championship in 64 years.
A photo gallery of Braeden and Bronson Steiner signing their National Letter of Intents, meeting the team, and speaking to the media is available above. Video of the event will be available in the near future.
