The story behind Robert Mathis' celebrity softball game

Caroline Symmes was 5 years old when she died in 2009. Six years later, her mother's voice still trembles when she talks about her little girl.

"She was warm and loving and open to everything," said Elizabeth Symmes. "She loved her brother and sister, and she got robbed of a chance at life."

At age 3, the Indianapolis girl was diagnosed with Wilms' Tumor disease, the most curable type of kidney cancer in adults and children.

But her tumor was particularly aggressive, and the available treatment was not enough to save her.

Determined that their daughter's life and death would be a force for good, Elizabeth and David Symmes have been active in raising money for pediatric cancer research, establishing the Caroline Symmes Endowment for Pediatric Cancer Research at Riley Hospital for Children.

But this week, the couple will be throwing their hearts into the Caroline Symmes Celebrity Softball Challenge, benefiting the Indiana Children's Wish Fund. The event, presented by the Tony Stewart Foundation, will take over Victory Field, 501 W. Maryland St., on Thursday. Robert Mathis and Dwayne Allen of the Indianapolis Colts, along with Paul George of the Indiana Pacers, will host the seventh annual event.

And they'll likely bring their friends. Last year, more than 25 Colts and Pacers players, as well as mascots and media personalities, participated. They'll play a seven-inning game, which starts at 7 p.m., but that's not the only attraction. Gates open at 5 p.m. for kids' games, face painting and autograph sessions. Tickets are $10, free for ages 3 and younger.

"This is an amazing event, bringing together celebrities, Wish children and our community," said Terry Ceaser-Hudson, executive director of Indiana Children's Wish Fund. "Fans have the opportunity to see their favorite celebrities up close, get autographs and enjoy a fun family event."

The best part, she said, is watching how much fun the celebrities have on the field, playing a game that's out of their league, in some respects. And Wish kids get playing time as well; some are called up to run the bases. Proceeds help the organization grant wishes to Indiana kids ages 3-18 who suffer life-threatening illnesses.

The organization has granted more than 3,200 wishes in the past 31 years, including a trip to Paris for Franklin teen Emma Findley, who died in December, days after returning from her dream tour of the French capital with her family.

The first Celebrity Softball Challenge was held in 2009, and as a Wish kid, Caroline was invited to shoot a commercial promoting the event with Mathis. Although she was too sick to attend the game, she and Mathis became fast friends. He visited often, and she referred to him as "my Robert," her mom said.

"For sure, Robert was completely taken by her, and he'll say she touched his heart. To him, she was this beautiful child whose life was going to end, and he wanted to reach out."

Caroline didn't care that he was a famous football player, her mom said. She and other kids being treated at Riley sometimes felt like they were the celebrities because so many people would come to visit them.

"We found in all of these kids, they were very mature, they had old souls, and they had a look in their eye like they understood everything," Symmes said.

Caroline's parents and their two younger kids will attend Thursday's game, seated in Caroline's Corner, a reserved section for supporters who show up in pink, Caroline's favorite color. Elizabeth says Caroline will be there, too.

"She's always with me. We'll take her to the ballpark for sure."

Midway through the game, "Sweet Caroline" will play over the loudspeakers, and the crowd will sing. Elizabeth describes it as a "wrenching" moment, and she can't help but cry, but it brings people back to the reason they are there — to support the Indiana Children's Wish Fund and kids suffering serious illnesses.

"Caroline would be thrilled with what this has turned into. The Wish Fund is a great way for sick kids not to be sick for a week and for their families not to have to worry about them being sick."

Tickets are available at indyindians.com and at the box office, but to reserve a seat in Caroline's Corner, go to facebook.com/CarolineSymmesMemorialCelebritySoftballChallenge. And wear pink.

Call Star reporter Maureen Gilmer at (317) 444-6879. Follow her on Twitter: @MaureenCGilmer.

Celebrity Softball Challenge

• What: Fundraiser for Indiana Children's Wish Fund

• When: 7 p.m. Thursday (gates open at 5 p.m.)

• Where: Victory Field

• Tickets: $10 at the box office or www.indyindians.com