Stand Up To Cancer night at World Series has extra meaning for Dodgers fan

Saturday night will be a day Ron Jensen never forgets

The Eagle Rock resident spent the evening at Dodger Stadium watching his beloved Dodgers face Boston in Game 4 of the World Series.

“Unbelievably excited,” said the Eagle Rock resident. “Unbelievable. Just super excited to be here.”

Three years ago, he wasn’t sure he would ever get the opportunity to watch Los Angeles play in the World Series in person.

“This is my second time through leukemia,” said Jensen. “I really shouldn’t be here. The second time leukemia didn’t respond to chemotherapy, so we had to do this off-the-book kind of radiation and it ultimately worked.”

While going through his difficult treatment, Jensen told his good friend Niko Hadden of Nipomo he had a dream.

“He was really sick and I would visit him in Los Angeles,” said Hadden. “He said to me, if i make through this, if the Dodgers make it, we’re going to the World Series.”

Last year, the Dodgers played in the team’s first World Series since 1988.

While the Dodgers battled the Houston Astros in the seven game series, Jensen couldn’t make it.

“This time last year, I was just getting out of the hospital after getting a bone marrow transplant,” Jensen said. “The doctor said you can’t get out and do anything. It’s a 100 days and you’re in the house.”

On Saturday, it was a much different story.

Jensen, along with son Max and Hadden made it to the Fall Classic.

“I found out i was cancer free and the Dodgers going to the World Series in the same week. what’s better than that?” Jensen said.

As coincidence would have it, Jensen attended Game 4.

It’s Major League Baseball’s annual Stand Up To Cancer night. It’s an opportunity to recognize and honor the fight against the disease.

After the 5th inning, the action breaks for a poignant intermission.

Everyone in the stadium, including fans, players, coaches and umpires can hold up a placard with the name of someone they know or love who has been affected by the disease.

Major League Baseball has been holding the special night at the World Series and All-Star Game since 2009.

“Once I found out it was Stand Up To Cancer, I’m sitting there going wow,” said Jensen. “I even brought a sharpie because I want to make sure I put myself. I’m standing up for myself tonight. Stand Up To Cancer means everything to me,”

Even though the Dodgers eventually lost to Boston 9-6, Jensen knew being at the game meant much more than the final outcome.

“The fact that I’m here, I just can’t be more thankful to my friends and my family,” said Jensen, “Just being here is a wonderful experience.”