On Friday, September 17th the Chicago Sky hosted La Rabida Night to benefit the hospital and celebrate our mission.

Staff were treated to complimentary tickets and a La Rabida patient, Byance, was named the Sky’s Player of the Day!

14-year-old Byance was recently diagnosed with Sjögren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack itself. This condition can result in excessive dryness of the eyes or mouth, fatigue, chronic pain, and can harm several organs.

Byance signed a one-day contract to become a member of the 2021 playoff-bound WNBA team.

The day began with a meet and greet with Sky players, followed by a pre-game press conference where Byance signed her contract and was presented with a custom Sky jersey by Coach James Wade.

While taking questions from reporters, she was asked what her go-to meal is before a game. Byance enthusiastically responded “chicken tenders!” Byance and her family were treated to a delicious lunch, where she ate … chicken tenders! After hitting the court with the team during game-day practice, Byance and her family sat courtside to watch the Sky take on the Las Vegas Aces.

Thank you to our friends at the Chicago Sky and Magellan Corporation for making this day extra special for Byance, her family, and La Rabida staff!

This story was featured in the September 2021 issue of Currents. Read the full issue here.