‘Home Runs for Hope’ makes Cranston boy’s Disney dream come true

CRANSTON, R.I. (WLNE) — Disney World is every kid’s dream, and for a 6-year-old boy from Cranston, that dream is about to come true.

A nine-inning game was held at the Cranston Atwood Avenue softball field Saturday afternoon for 6-year-old Ryder, who suffered a traumatic brain injury.

“He’s a little miracle, my little miracle,” Ryder’s mom, Muffy Marzilli said.

His family reached out to Children’s Wishes, a Rhode Island non-profit that “grant[s] wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions,” Children’s Wishes Executive Director Mary O’Rourke said.

The non-profit set Ryder’s family up with Home Runs for Hope, a softball charity event with a special goal.

“This year it’s for Ryder, who is trying to go to Disney World,” Home Runs for Hope event organizer Cameron Bissitt said. “We are trying to raise $10,000 for him, we are around $900 off, so today we should get it.”

Volunteers began planning the softball game more than eight months ago.

“It’s awesome, it’s a great feeling, it’s a great accomplishment for all of us around here,” Bissitt said. “Just seeing them involved in the game that we prepared months for, it’s pretty cool.”

Ryder threw the first pitch of the game.

“We know he’s been practicing so we can’t wait to see it,” volunteer Ben Gallo said.

The players were just as excited as Ryder for the big game.

“Playing for a good cause, we got a beautiful day,” Alex Dilorenzo said.

“Gets some hits in, you know, get some reps in…its all for Ryder,” Paul Pazienza said.

“Whatever we can do to contribute to him having a better life, that’s what we are willing to do,” Gallo said.

The event showed how important it is for community to come together.

“Since his traumatic injury, I’ve been through a lot, and to know that I have such a support system behind me, and everybody else behind me, helping me along his journey, it makes me feel 100 times better,” Marzilli said.

Thanks to Saturday’s game, Ryder will get to go to Disney World with his family for seven days.

Anyone interesting in donating to Ryder’s Disney trip can visit the Home Runs for Hope GoFundMe here.