Diagnosed with a rare and aggressive kidney cancer, young Phillies fan Frankie Smith reached out to her favorite team through TikTok—and the Phillies responded with heartwarming support.
Frankie’s parents turned to social media to share their daughter’s fight with Wilms’ tumor, a rare childhood kidney cancer. Despite her condition, they said Frankie hasn’t missed a single Phillies game, watching every one from her hospital room.
Due to the tumor’s size, Frankie will need surgery to remove both the tumor and her kidney. Her family shared on TikTok that watching Phillies games has been a constant source of joy during her treatment.
“She has a tough journey ahead,” they said, “but we’re doing everything we can to keep her spirits up.”
Touched by her story, the Phillies responded through their official TikTok account on Tuesday, writing, “The big green guy would love to send over some gifts for Frankie!”—a reference to the beloved team mascot, the Phillie Phanatic.
The Smith family replied with deep gratitude: “This little thing is a very big thing for our little fighter. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for making her dream come true,” tagging the team in their post.
As Frankie continues her battle, her family has launched a GoFundMe to support her medical journey.