The 2025 Strikeouts for Turner Syndrome campaign was a powerful reminder of what community, advocacy, and compassion can achieve together.
This initiative—born from the hearts of Pete and Lydia Fairbanks in loving memory of their daughter, Ellis—was a heartfelt call to action to raise awareness, spark conversations, and ensure that no family facing Turner syndrome (TS) feels alone. From game day to exclusive merchandise to an incredible online auction, the campaign invited thousands to stand behind a cause that often goes unrecognized, yet touches so many lives.
We want to express our deepest gratitude for the honor of being selected as a supported organization of the Tampa Bay Rays Baseball Foundation. The support from the Rays, Pete and Lydia, and everyone who participated has had a truly transformative impact on our mission. This partnership has helped elevate national awareness of Turner syndrome, grow our community, and strengthen our ability to provide education and support to those in need.
Game Day Recap
On June 7, fans gathered for the second annual Turner Syndrome Community Day as the Tampa Bay Rays took on the Miami Marlins at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa. The day was full of connection, emotion, and visibility for a condition that affects 1 in 2,000 girls yet remains widely unknown.
The Turner Syndrome Foundation (TSF) was honored during the 7th inning stretch with a spotlight moment featuring TS woman Olivia Sullivan singing “Take Me Out To The Ballgame.” We were honored to have a moment of recognition for TS.
Members from the TS community flew in from all around the country to form new connections and celebrate this meaningful day. Attendees gathered at the TSF information table, posed for a group photo, and had conversations about what Turner syndrome is and why this cause matters.
“A sweet moment for me was when the woman sitting beside me asked what our group was. She noticed we were all together. I told her about Turner Syndrome and she didn’t know what it was, so I was able to educate her a little bit about it. She was interested in going to our website to learn more. I think that highlights what this game is all about—raising awareness. I’m so grateful to the Fairbanks for using their platform to advocate for our community.” — Kayla, woman with TS
Healing and Connection
The event brought together families and individuals at every stage of their journey with Turner syndrome. From newly connected families to long-standing advocates, for many, it was their first time being surrounded by others who truly understood.
“The entire experience was unbelievable and so heartwarming for us. We’re new to the Turner syndrome community, and even though our story is a heartbreaking one, it brought us so much joy to meet other members of the community. It truly was a weekend that helped our family continue to heal after the loss of Cassidy.
We loved getting to connect with some of the girls who live with TS and hear their stories as well. To see some of the amazing things they’re accomplishing was incredibly inspiring. We can only hope to continue helping support them in Cassidy’s honor. Lydia, Pete, and the Rays are doing amazing work and we can’t be more appreciative of their efforts.” — Marvin, father of TS angel, Cassidy
Merch and Auction
The return of the Strikeouts for Ellis merchandise line gave supporters a visible and meaningful way to raise awareness and support the cause. Every purchase helped fund free education, support services, and outreach for the TS community.
The Rays Up for Turner Syndrome Foundation online auction featured dozens of one-of-a-kind items. Supporters bid generously on:
- Autographed gear, including the coveted Pete Fairbanks City Connect bobblehead
- Players’ Favorite Things baskets curated by Pete Fairbanks, Kevin Kelly, and more
- Signed memorabilia and game-used items from across the team
- Experiences with Rays players
Thanks to the enthusiasm of bidders and the generosity of the Rays players and families, this year’s auction made a remarkable impact.
Over $18,000 was raised through the combined efforts of the game, merchandise sales, and auction, all supporting TSF’s awareness, advocacy, and education programs.
A Lasting Legacy
This campaign is a testament to the power of personal stories and collective action. At the game, we met many new families with connections to Turner syndrome. Having these families with ties to TS come together reminds us how common and under-recognized this condition truly is.
“It’s always incredibly moving to have people help devote time and energy to a cause we hold near and dear. Another successful year for our TS day and fundraising!” -Pete Fairbanks
Through the compassion of the Tampa Bay Rays, the commitment of the Fairbanks family, and the unwavering support of everyone who joined this effort, Strikeouts for Turner Syndrome has grown from a heartfelt tribute into a movement of national awareness and change.
We look forward to building on this incredible foundation, continuing this work in Ellis’s name, and welcoming even more voices into the TS community.
From all of us at TSF: Thank you for helping change the future—for Ellis, for Cassidy, and for every life touched by Turner syndrome.
© Turner Syndrome Foundation, 2025
