Meet Raelyn Medici, friend, sister, cancer survivor and now 8U softball champion.
Diagnosed at the age of 4 with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Raelyn is a resilient fighter who underwent 2 1/2 years of cancer treatment at Riley Hospital for Children. Even though she was in remission shortly after her diagnosis, Raelyn had to undergo extensive treatment to continue to be cancer-free. In October, Raelyn celebrated four years in remission and officially finished her cancer treatment in February 2025. She was able to ring the ceremonial bell in March 2025.
“For so long, she had a port in her chest, so she was not allowed to play any type of contact sports, so that was definitely something that was taken away from her for years. Then, when Raelyn randomly said she wanted to try softball, we, of course, were all for her trying it out. I wasn’t sure if she would like it or not, but she has genuinely loved it. Her team has been incredible, and they are huge supporters of her, and the families are just great, and the coach is fantastic. It’s been such a blessing because she landed on just the perfect team for her. Since she had never played before, I knew that could go one of two ways, and she’s just done amazing and learned so much,” says Raelyn’s mom, Beth Medici.
Raelyn was assigned to Coach Amanda Neiss’ fall 2026 softball team, and when she met Raelyn’s parents, they shared that this was her first year being able to play softball because of her battle with leukemia. Coach Neiss really wanted Raelyn to feel welcome on the team and to develop a love of the game. Through the help of her players, the other parents and even a rival team, Coach Neiss created a supportive community that rallied for Raelyn.
“Our team has really become a community because of Raelyn, and I think that is one of the most beautiful things to come from this experience. This team is special. The players and their parents have all shown up for Raelyn and her family in such a meaningful way,” says Coach Neiss.
When it was Raelyn’s turn to be the team captain for a game, the team really rallied behind her and surprised her.
“Raelyn was named captain for our Sept. 19 game. September is also Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Beth, her mom, had reached out to the team asking if the girls would wear yellow childhood cancer awareness stickers on their helmets for the game. That was an easy yes, and my mind started wondering what else we could do. It wasn’t long before another team mom started a group message asking how we could do something bigger and surprise Raelyn with an outpouring of support. The response from our parents was incredible. Everyone came to the game ready to show Raelyn and her family how much they meant to us,” says Coach Neiss.
Parents had come together, creating special surprises for Raelyn, including purchasing yellow childhood cancer awareness socks for the entire team, making team shirts that said “Raelyn’s Warriors” and “Raelyn THE Warrior” for Raelyn, as well as purchasing awareness shirts, bracelets and pins, and even making a banner for the team to sign and give to her. Coach Neiss even got their rival team that they were playing to participate in showing support for Raelyn, with the coaches and parents wearing childhood cancer awareness shirts and the players wearing yellow ribbon stickers on their helmets and pins on their shirts.
“The game gives these girls an opportunity to learn about teamwork, friendship, compassion and resilience. Our entire coaching staff admitted being part of this experience has taught us more than we ever could have imagined,” says Coach Neiss.
This season, Raelyn really shined as an athlete and found a passion for softball, loving all the opportunities to play different positions. She even helped her team become playoff champions with a season record of 13-1, and their only regular-season loss ended up being against the team they beat in the championship.
Wanting to help families that are affected by childhood cancer, Raelyn’s mom, Beth, said the best thing people can do is donate blood. She said it’s so important, not just for leukemia patients but for all cancer patients. If people want to donate to organizations, she recommends donating to St. Baldrick’s Foundation, Unravel Pediatric Cancer and Riley Hospital for Children.
“Having Raelyn on our team has been an absolute blessing. She has reminded all of us not to take the little things for granted and to appreciate the opportunity to simply play, laugh and be together. And to any other child out there fighting their own battle: You’ve got this. For everyone else: Don’t be afraid to ask for support. There are so many people out there who want to stand beside you, cheer for you and fight alongside you,” says Coach Neiss.
