East Carolina University (ECU) Baseball player Parker Byrd has stepped up to the plate to lead Homers That Help, a charity initiative supporting families at the James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital at ECU Health Medical Center. Taking over from former player Carter Cunningham, Byrd has embraced the opportunity to expand the program’s impact and continue its mission of giving back.
The idea for Homers That Help was born after Cunningham participated in a career shadowing experience at ECU Health Medical Center in November 2023. Walking through Maynard Children’s Hospital, he felt a deep calling to do something meaningful for the young patients and their families.
He started small, asking his ECU Baseball teammates for donations to bring holiday cheer to the hospital. The players raised $500, which they used to buy gifts and spend time playing with the children. The visit left a lasting impression on both the players and the families.
After reflecting over winter break, Cunningham launched Homers That Help, an initiative where sponsors pledged donations for each ECU home baseball game and contributed additional funds for every home run hit. The program exceeded expectations, raising $50,000 in its first season. In addition to the donations, the baseball team would make regular visits to pediatric patients.
“I felt that it was so important to serve others, and even if you can’t give money, time is so important,” Cunningham said. “Whether that’s your time, your talent or your treasure, really being generous goes a long way.”
As Cunningham graduated and was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays, he wanted the initiative to continue. Cunningham felt Byrd was the perfect fit to lead the program forward after seeing Byrd connect with patients during hospital visits.
“It was like a God-given talent and ability when he was in a patient’s room,” Cunningham said. “He just knew how to connect with the kids a lot better than I ever could – and anyone for that matter.”
According to Tara Tadlock, a child life specialist at Maynard Children’s Hospital, these visits bring much-needed joy.
“The kids get so excited to see the players,” Tadlock said. “It lifts their spirits more than people realize. Whether playing games, coloring or simply talking baseball, the experience means the world to them.”
Byrd said having been a patient in the hospital for a long time previously helped him understand how it feels to be one of the kids.
“Carter told me about his plans early on, and I saw firsthand the impact it was having,” Byrd said. “When he asked if I could take over, it was an honor.”
Byrd’s leadership has ensured Homers That Help continues to grow and flourish. Cunningham remains involved, offering guidance and staying connected to the program’s growth, including the sale of shirts where $10 from each purchase is donated directly to the Children’s Hospital.
“He could have just handed it off and moved on,” Byrd said. “But he still contributes, checks in and continues to bring new ideas.”
Building on Cunningham’s foundation, Byrd introduced Ks for Kids, allowing pitchers to participate by raising money with strikeouts.
“It’s awesome to get the pitchers involved,” Byrd said. “Last year, hitters had competition for the most home runs, and now pitchers have their own way to contribute and have some healthy competition.”
ECU pitcher Ethan Norby demonstrated the program’s potential with a standout performance, recording 19 strikeouts in one game, directly benefiting families in need.
“During the game, I was actually thinking it was awesome for the kids because he was racking up a lot of strikeouts and support for the families here at the hospital,” Byrd said.
Managed by ECU Health Foundation, the funds raised through Homers That Help have had a direct impact on families, covering essential costs like gas and food gift cards to ease their hospital stays. Funds also will be going to other needs of Maynard Children’s Hospital to improve care and the hospital experience for pediatric patients and their families.
“Being a college student and student athlete is very time consuming, but then they still make time out of their weeks to come and visit these kids and during every single game, raise money for Maynard Children’s Hospital,” said Elise Ironmonger, Director of Programs at the ECU Health Foundation. “This fundraiser is just amazing and shows what great humans they are and just their love of wanting to give back. ECU Health and our patients and their families are so grateful to them.”
Byrd expressed his gratitude to Cunningham, his teammates and the entire ECU community for their unwavering support. As the 2024-2025 season comes to an end, Byrd is grateful for all of the community support and excited for the future of Homers That Help.
“The community has been tremendous,” Byrd said. “Seeing everyone rally behind this cause makes it all worth it.”
To date, Homers That Help has raised over $75,000. To learn more about Homers That Help or to give, please visit give.ecuhealthfoundation.org