Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital (PMCH) at Ascension St. Vincent recently celebrated Violet Rich, a remarkable young patient from Noblesville, who was honored as the “Fever Ball Kid” during the Indiana Fever home game on May 17.
The 14-year-old had the incredible opportunity to enjoy courtside access during warm-ups, meet Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham, and see her story showcased at halftime on the video board – an unforgettable experience recognizing her strength and resilience.
In 2019, Rich was diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. She was immediately admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent. During her hospitalization, Peyton Manning stopped by her room for a visit. It is one of her fondest memories during that time. Her care plan included chemotherapy and several surgeries. She continued to improve and had a multispecialty care team that included a pediatric oncologist, a pediatric neurosurgeon, and many more providers.
Rich is exuberant, a talented storyteller, and especially enjoys writing scary stories. She also enjoys art, music, reading, and playing with her friends.
She was chosen for this opportunity because of her positive attitude and fun-loving nature. Her journey is a testament to the outstanding care provided by the dedicated doctors, nurses, and support teams at PMCH.
“Ascension St. Vincent is committed to delivering compassionate, world-class care to children facing tough medical challenges,” said Stephan Masoncup, Chief Strategy Officer at Ascension St. Vincent. “Honoring Violet as the Fever Ball Kid is a reminder of the resilience and hope that drive everything we do.”
The Fever Ball Kid program continues to shine a spotlight on the bravery and determination of PMCH patients, reinforcing the hospital’s commitment to compassionate pediatric care and meaningful experiences.