Abigail Gross with Slugger

SOUTH PORTLAND, MAINE – As part of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s continued commitment to supporting the prevention and treatment of cancer and the work of the Maine Children’s Cancer Program (MCCP), 6-year-old Abigail Gross was recently honored as an Anthem Hero at Hadlock for her courage in battling cancer.

Gross, of Phillips, is the third Anthem Hero at Hadlock to be recognized during the 2024 season. The ceremony took place prior to the August 4 Portland Sea Dogs game at Hadlock Field.

“We love celebrating our Anthem Heroes like Abigail and all they have overcome during their illness,” said Denise McDonough, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine. “These heroes’ perseverance and positive attitude at such a young age is inspiring. We thank the Maine Children’s Cancer Program for all they do to treat kids like Abigail and support Maine families during a tough time.”

In March 2020, Gross was diagnosed with a pilocytic astrocytoma, a spinal cord tumor, at just 19 months old. She started chemotherapy two weeks later and went through treatment for 18 months before her tumor was ruled stable. Gross was able to enjoy a year off from treatment before it was discovered that her tumor was growing again. She started her second journey through chemotherapy in August 2022. After being told that her tumor was still growing, Gross had a second biopsy at Boston Children’s Hospital and surgery to remove the tumor. During surgery, all motor control to Gross’ right leg was lost. Despite being told that it could be months before she would walk again, Gross proved everyone wrong when she was walking two weeks later. After healing from surgery, Gross began her third round of treatment, which she is currently on today and which is keeping her tumor stable. Gross loves to be outside, swimming, playing video games, snuggling with her dogs or kitten, and spending time with her family.

“Watching our patients triumphantly round the bases while being cheered on by the crowd at Hadlock never grows old,” said Grace Jandro, philanthropy manager at Maine Children’s Cancer Program. “We’re grateful to Anthem for making these special moments and precious memories for our patient families possible.”

The Anthem Heroes at Hadlock program provides children who have battled a serious medical condition a once-in-a-lifetime experience at Hadlock Field. Each honoree takes a celebratory home run lap around the bases of Hadlock Field prior to a Portland Sea Dogs home game. The children and their families also receive other VIP privileges at the game.