Philadelphia Phillies Surprise Three-Year-Old Cancer Patient with Heartfelt Care Package After Viral TikTok
When three-year-old Frankie Smith from Idaho was diagnosed with cancer, her family turned to baseball—and the Philadelphia Phillies—for comfort and hope. Their story touched thousands after Frankie’s mother, Darleigh Smith,…
When three-year-old Frankie Smith from Idaho was diagnosed with cancer, her family turned to baseball—and the Philadelphia Phillies—for comfort and hope. Their story touched thousands after Frankie’s mother, Darleigh Smith, posted a heartfelt TikTok video of Frankie watching the Phillies from her hospital bed. The video quickly went viral, capturing the attention of Phillies fans and the team itself.
@dardarbinks898 Our sweet daughter was diagnosed with a Wilms tumor, a rare kidney cancer that is most common in young children. She’s facing a tough road ahead, but we’re doing everything we can to bring joy during this time. @Phillies she is your biggest fan. A comment or message would mean the world #wilmstumor #childhoodcancer #phillies #bryceharper ♬ Little Things - Adrián Berenguer
Moved by Frankie’s love for the Phillies, the team’s beloved mascot, the Phanatic, jumped into action. The Phillies sent Frankie a special care package filled with team merchandise and personalized gifts, bringing a wave of joy to the Smith family during a difficult time. “This is the most exciting thing, it’s positively overwhelming,” Darleigh Smith told CBS News, expressing gratitude for the team’s support.
Though the Smiths live in Idaho, their connection to Philadelphia runs deep—Frankie’s mom grew up in the city and passed down her love for the Phillies to her daughter. Watching every game together has become a cherished family tradition, helping them feel close to their roots even from afar.
The Phillies have a long-standing tradition of reaching out to young fans battling illness. Recently, pitcher José Alvarado made headlines for inviting a young admirer to the field after noticing him mimicking his pitching moves at Citizens Bank Park. These gestures highlight the powerful impact sports teams can have on children facing medical challenges.
Frankie is scheduled for surgery soon, but she hopes to watch one more Phillies game before then. Her story is a reminder of how teams like the Philadelphia Phillies help young cancer fans find strength, joy, and connection during their toughest battles.
