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6 year-old sings National Anthem for Awareness
On Father’s Day, June 15, 2008 the major league baseball Arizona Diamondbacks will play the Kansas City Royals — inter-league action that pits the leader in the National League West against an American League Central team that is tied for last place. The game represents a great way for families to turn out with Dads, and wouldn’t it be great if your daughter were singing the National Anthem?
That’s the way it’ll be for Mario Rodarte, when six-year old daughter Vivien Leigh Rodarte sings in front of as many as 49,033 fans (a sell-out) at Chase Field in Phoenix.
Vivien is a remarkable six-year old that is an inspiration to all who know her. She was diagnosed with glaucoma when she was seven months old. Before her first birthday, Vivien had a series of surgeries to control the pressure in her eyes. She has a shunt in each of her eyes and takes five medications a day.
Parents Karla and Mario are passionate in their efforts to bring glaucoma awareness to their community, home town and the State of Arizona. In 2007, through Karla’s efforts, Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano declared the first week of July as Glaucoma Awareness Week in Arizona.
Now the Arizona Diamondback organization is involved. The team will sponsor a Community Corner (an opportunity to raise awareness at Chase Field) on June 17th, where the Rodartes and volunteers will distribute information about glaucoma.
And what about Vivien? Her mother reports Vivien is doing remarkably well. She leads a pretty normal life, and enjoys reading and singing. Vivien was so excited when Mario came home with the audition application for her to sing the national anthem. “It was just like American Idol! It was AMAZING!”
Donate to join Vivien’s effort in support of Glaucoma Research Foundation.