Daily Dad News

Father Stricken With Cancer Spends Time On Baseball Field With Sons

February 28, 2012

KENT SIEVERS / THE WORLD-HERALD

A terminally ill Omaha father suffering with colon cancer was able to spend quality time enjoying the sport he and his two sons love along with family and friends over the weekend. Doctors told Bill LaHood, 48, that he only has a few weeks to live but thanks to a local organization, he was able to share in a joyous moment with his sons.

Omaha group Memories For Kids put on a baseball-themed party for the LaHoods at Werner Park over the weekend. Although Bill was just admitted to the hospital last Friday, he left on Saturday morning to join his sons at the party. The gathering was held at the home locker room of the Omaha Storm Chasers, a minor league Triple-A affiliate of the MLB squad Kansas City Royals.

Devoted baseball fans, the LaHood children were not able to attend spring training in Arizona as they’ve done customarily in the past because of their father’s poor health. Memories For Kids, which puts on parties for children who have a parent dying from cancer, helped to gather 30 attendees and the Storm Chasers provide some neat perks such as team jerseys, a signed and framed Derek Jeter jersey, and tickets to see the New York Yankees take on the Kansas City Royals.

LaHood’s oldest son, 20-year old Shawn, and his 14-year old son Ryan were happy to see their father enjoying himself in his final days. Young Ryan succinctly summed up his feelings about his father attending the party. “It's great to see him happy for once in the last couple months,” shared Ryan.

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