At Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH), philanthropy fuels a vision where health and hope reach far beyond hospital walls.
That vision came to life during the 2024 and 2025 baseball seasons, as VMFH deepened its role as the Seattle Mariners’ official Partner in Health. Together, they transformed one of the region’s most beloved pastimes into a powerful platform for awareness, prevention and philanthropy.
Caring for the team, caring for our community
VMFH has a long commitment of collaborating with local sports teams and organizations — including the Mariners, the Seattle Kraken, the Seattle Seahawks and more — to educate, raise awareness, and fundraise for critical health challenges. These partnerships demonstrate a belief in the power of sports to unite the community and foster a healthier region. These efforts ensure that community members have access to the same level of care as their favorite professional athletes.
Success on and off the field
The Mariners’ 2025 season was one to remember — winning 90 games en route to an American League West division title — but the highlight was undoubtedly the offensive prowess of catcher Cal Raleigh. With his major league leading and franchise record 60 home runs, and 125 Runs Batted In, Raleigh was the driving force behind the Mariners high-powered offense this season.
And those numbers made a difference outside the stats box thanks to the 'Runs for Research' campaign.
For every run the Mariners scored during the season, Mariners Care, the philanthropic arm of the baseball team, made a donation to the Center for Neurosciences and Spine at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. These contributions are supporting patient services and groundbreaking research in neurological and spine care.
When he wasn’t trotting around the bases, “The Big Dumper” as Raleigh is affectionately known, made time to visit with patients at Virginia Mason Medical Center, bringing joy and encouragement to those facing serious illness. These acts of humankindness embodied the personal side of this partnership: coaches and athletes lending their time, organizations combining resources, and communities rallying around patients in need.
Life-Saving Screenings at the Ballpark
Another aspect of this partnership was the ability to bring health care outside the hospital walls. VMFH joined the Mariners to host free prostate cancer screenings at T-Mobile Park during September 2024’s Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, teaming up again with Fans for the Cure to provide screenings for more than 60 fans and staff during a homestand at T-Mobile Park. Fans and community members aged 45 and older took part in quick, simple blood draws designed to catch cancer early, when it is most treatable.
Following up on that success, VMFH and the Mariners held another event this past season during Men’s Health Month in June 2025. These screenings reinforced a vital message: prevention saves lives, and community partnerships can make prevention accessible.
The event was full of inspiration: prostate cancer survivor Jose threw out the ceremonial first pitch, a living reminder that early detection can help patients get back in the “game of life.” The Mariners ended up winning that game against the Kansas City Royals 6-2, thanks in part to another one of Raleigh’s dingers.
Mariners Hall of Famer Dan Wilson helped kick off the campaign by visiting St. Anne Hospital earlier in the month — underscoring the importance of awareness and access.
The impact was clear. Dozens of men left the ballpark with more than memories of the game—they left with peace of mind about their health and the encouragement to follow up with their physicians.
Celebrating the People Who Care
The Mariners partnership wasn’t only about patient care — it was also about honoring those who provide it. At Nurse Appreciation Night on May 13, 2025, VMFH nurses traded scrubs for Mariners jerseys at T-Mobile Park. The evening featured a memorable ceremonial first pitch delivered by VMFH nurse Heidi Urquhart, RN, and a celebration of nurses from across the health system. It was a joyful tribute to the frontline caregivers who make philanthropy’s impact possible every day.
Looking ahead
The partnership between VMFH and the Mariners proved that healthcare can extend well beyond clinic doors. By meeting people where they are — in ballparks, at community events, and in moments of celebration — VMFH and the Mariners showed that prevention, research, and compassionate care are causes worth rallying for.
Looking ahead, one thing is certain: every run scored, every screening provided, every nurse celebrated, and every patient visit has built momentum toward a healthier, more hopeful future for the Puget Sound region and beyond. That is the true power of philanthropy at play.
