On Friday, August 12th, the Annual Guns & Hoses Softball game, sponsored by SERVPRO, took place at Carilion Clinic Field, Home of the Salem Red Sox and RMHC-SWVA was the beneficiary 
charity from the event. We were so excited to attend and be part of such a fun event! The firemen brought the heat for the game beating the policemen 14-7.
The RMHC-SWVA was blessed to have a special guest join us that evening and throw out the first pitch.
Riley-Ann was born on Nov. 15, 2009, four weeks premature, weighing in at just over six pounds. She had several weeks of sleeping on a “light bed” to clear up her jaundice and at one month old she had heart surgery at UVA to correct her Patent Ductus Arteriosus. Her family stayed at the Ronald McDonald House, where they had a warm, inviting space and warm meals provided giving them the opportunity to all stay together and close to Riley-Ann. The Ronald McDonald House was such a blessing!
Riley-Ann has made a complete recovery and is now 12 years old. She has been dancing at Floyd Ward School of Dance since she was 4 years old. She has played soccer; cheered; and is an amazing swimmer. She has started participating in Special Olympics and has run in the Torch Run since she was 4 years old.
Riley-Ann has never let her Down Syndrome define her or hold her back, so our hope and prayers Is people can learn from her and understand the importance of inclusion and kindness!
