SAN DIEGO – For Leon Duenas and his father, Leopoldo, the Ronald McDonald House in San Diego has been their home for the past 800 nights.
At just 16, Leon has been courageously battling leukemia at Rady Children’s Hospital, with hope shining on the horizon as he nears the completion of his treatment this March.
Leon’s Love for Baseball
Leon’s heart beats for baseball, fueled by his admiration for his hero, Fernando Tatis Jr. Though facing significant health challenges that brought him to San Diego from the picturesque island of Saipan, he remains an ardent supporter of the Padres.
Whenever he can, Leon makes it a priority to tune in to games, relishing those moments away from treatment where he can cheer passionately for his favorite team.
Charity Tour Visit
This Friday, the atmosphere crackled with excitement when the Padres’ charity tour made a surprise visit to the Ronald McDonald House.
Leon wasted no time grabbing his signed City Connect Padres hat, eager to collect autographs from players like Jason Adam, who joined the team mid-season.
Jason reflected on the privilege of playing professional baseball, emphasizing the importance of using that platform to inspire and uplift others.
He particularly admired the resilience of the children and families they met, noting how these encounters serve as poignant reminders of what truly matters in life.
Kicking off their 12-stop charity tour ahead of the much-anticipated FanFest, the Padres aim to spread joy throughout the San Diego community.
Players split into four teams to visit various locations, starting with the Ronald McDonald House, which provides critical support for families facing tough times, like Leon’s.
During their visit, Padres players donned aprons to serve lunch for about 20 minutes, then took the time to mingle with fans and explore the facilities, leaving smiles in their wake.
Joe Musgrove, a proud native of San Diego, expressed how meaningful this particular visit was for him, especially since family members of his had spent time at Rady’s.
Community Engagement
After an uplifting hour at the Ronald McDonald House, the Padres next stopped at SDPD Police Plaza and the Boys and Girls Clubs of San Diego, deepening their engagement with the community.
Their journey also included visits to local elementary schools, UCSD Hillcrest Hospital, the San Diego Rescue Mission South County Lighthouse, and Naval Base San Diego.
Each stop held special significance, especially as it honored the legacy of the Padres’ beloved late owner, Peter Seidler, who passed away in November 2023.
Musgrove emphasized the importance of carrying on Seidler’s mission, highlighting the team’s commitment to combining their successes on the field with a genuine dedication to their community.
The positivity of the tour reached the Duenas family as well.
Leon, who arrived in December 2022, is now just months away from returning home, a thought that fills their hearts with joy.
Yet, he admits he might miss the Padres, illustrating his deep connection to both the team and the city.
Leopoldo shared his heartfelt thanks to the Ronald McDonald House for their steadfast support throughout their two-year stay.
As they prepare for their return home, the Duenas family knows they will forever carry a piece of San Diego in their hearts, deeply connected to this vibrant community.
The Padres, in return, are eager to share their enthusiasm and support with families like the Duenas.
Bryan Hoeing, who joined the team through a trade deadline acquisition, echoed the sentiment about the significant impact their efforts have on those they meet.
He noted that bringing hope and joy during tough times is one of the most rewarding parts of being an athlete.
Through their interactions with the community, the Padres remind everyone that even in the face of adversity, the power of support and kindness can create a meaningful, positive impact.
