Trey Mancini, first baseman and outfielder for the Baltimore Orioles, had been feeling fatigued for a few days, even when practicing swings in the batting cage. After tests showed his iron levels were low, the Orioles sent him for a colonoscopy and endoscopy.

Trey was diagnosed with colon cancer at 27 years old and went into surgery six days later.

That was in March 2020. At the same time, the country was feeling the effects of COVID-19. Baseball shut down. Sara Perlman, television host and reporter, and Trey’s partner, also had her show put on hiatus. They were both out of work.

In this spotlight by ESPN, Trey discusses the important role working in baseball plays in his life, as well as the side effects he faced when returning to work. And Sara speaks to her experience becoming partner and caregiver.

Speaking to his decision to disclose his diagnosis publicly, Trey said, “A lot of people can be a little wary of talking about colon cancer. Some people still see it as being like a taboo. I don’t at all. I want to raise awareness… I’ve got a platform and I feel like I’ve got a job to do, which is to educate everybody.”

To read more about Trey and Sara, click here.