Phillies, Eagles Host Separate Charity Events To Raise Cancer And Autism Awareness
By Mike Dougherty
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Sunday was a busy day at the sports complex in South Philly. In addition to the Flyers game, both the Phillies and Eagles hosted thousands of people for two separate charity events.
At Citizens Bank Park, cancer foundation For Pete's Sake held a "Phight for Life" walk.
"Helps us raise money to give families a break from cancer by sending them away on a week long respite vacation," said Marci Schankweiler, the founder.
The vacation to Cancun cancer survivor Daryl Robinson received changed his entire outlook on life.
"It gave me a hope and a care that I wanted to live. It gave me a fight, it gave me a fire," he says. "I just really wanted to give up, but because of For Pete's Sake, they gave me an opportunity to live life and see life as a gift."
Across the street at the Linc, the Eagles with Children's Hospital hosted a fun-filled day specifically designed for families of children with autism.
"Really overwhelming to see so many people because sometimes you don't realize that there's so many people that have the same thing going on," Charmaine says.
"They could come here and feel good about being with a community that understands what they're going through," Eagles owner Christina Lurie says.
CHOP researcher Bob Schultz says events like this one are imperative to raise awareness about autism.
"And we're so thankful to the Eagles for enabling us to do this."
