Salem Red Sox honor Roanoke County teen battling stage four cancer

SALEM, Va. (WDBJ) - Camden Thepsimuong has been playing sports his entire life. When he was diagnosed with stage four bone cancer in July, his family wasn’t sure when he might have that chance again.

But Saturday night, he had the chance to get back on the field and throw the first pitch for the Salem Red Sox.

One year ago, Thepsimuong was like any other teenager, an active athlete and student at William Byrd High school. But after his diagnosis, the 16-year-old was forced to trade the things he loves for days, even weeks in the hospital, including a round of chemotherapy and a leg amputation. Through it all, is sprits stay high.

“Since July, we know the cancer has shown up multiple times before. It’s gone away sometimes... So honestly, we’re on a good track,” he said.

“You just would not even know what he is going through if it wasn’t for the lack of hair and now that he has a prosthetic,” said his mother, Charlene Thepsimuong.

Saturday, he spent the night at the ballpark like any other kid, but with a chance to join the team on the field. The Salem Red Sox invited Thepsimuong and his family to the game to celebrate his strength throughout his entire battle.

“All we’re doing is playing baseball. We want to be a part of the community and having people like Cam, that is really what we’re looking for,” said Salem Red Sox General Manager Allen Lawrence. “To give people the opportunity to see Cam, and to give Cam the opportunity to have a special night.”

Thepsimuong said he spent several days practicing with his father before the big game, and was nervous when it was time. But when he got up to the mound, the pitch went straight down the middle into the catchers glove.

“It’s going to be a great feeling to be active and agile again, at least if I’m doing a little bit of sports, you know, cause being a tennis player, football player, soccer player background, it’s just great to be back on the field,” said Thepsimuong.

The Thepsimuong family has a GoFundMe set up where all proceeds will go towards his treatments; anyone who wishes to donate can contribute here.