FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | June 17, 2026
CONTACT: J.J. Lewis, CEO | (517) 618-1874
Pinckney, MI – Most 12-year-olds celebrate their birthday with cake and presents. On Tuesday, June 23, Harrison Brewbaker of Lansing will celebrate by stepping onto the field at Jackson Field to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Lansing Lugnuts’ annual Breaking Barriers Night game against the Great Lakes Loons.
The special honor comes during North Star Reach’s Year of Mooseness, a year-long celebration of the organization’s 10th anniversary and a decade of providing life-changing camp experiences for children with serious health challenges and their families, free of charge.
For Harrison, the opportunity is especially meaningful.
While Harrison does not have a serious medical diagnosis himself, his younger sister, Celine, lives with Sturge-Weber Syndrome that affects 1/50,000 and epilepsy is one of its additional diagnoses. Like many siblings of children with serious health challenges, Harrison has spent much of his life supporting and encouraging his sister through medical appointments, seizures, and treatment.
The Brewbaker family’s connection to North Star Reach began through Family Camp, where Harrison and Celine experienced camp together for the first time.
While Celine’s epilepsy diagnosis introduced the family to North Star Reach, Harrison quickly discovered that camp was a place for him, too. Deborah recalls how excited he was to see the cabins, Dining Hall, and activities that make camp such a special place for children and families. Today, North Star Reach remains the only overnight camp where Harrison has felt comfortable attending without his parents.
Both Harrison and Celine are preparing to attend Residential Summer Camp at North Star Reach from June 28 through July 3.
“When a child has a serious medical condition, the entire family is affected,” said Deborah Brewbaker. “Harrison has always been an incredible brother, but siblings often sacrifice attention and opportunities along the way. North Star Reach has given both of our children a place where they feel seen, supported, and celebrated. Watching Harrison become excited about camp and confident enough to attend overnight camp on his own has been incredibly meaningful for our family. We are so grateful for North Star Reach and this experience for Harrison.”
When asked what he is most excited about for Breaking Barriers Night, Harrison’s answer was simple.
“Everything — the whole experience.”
Asked what camp means to him, he replied with one word: “Fun!”
And when asked what “Mooseness” means, Harrison described it as “entertaining, fun, and active.”
As North Star Reach celebrates its 10th anniversary, CEO J.J. Lewis says Harrison’s story reflects the heart of the organization’s mission.
“As we celebrate 10 years of Mooseness, Harrison’s story reminds us that camp magic doesn’t stop with the child who has a diagnosis,” Lewis said. “Siblings are part of the journey, too. They often carry responsibilities, worries, and emotions that go unseen. Seeing Harrison gain confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging through camp is exactly why North Star Reach exists. We are honored to celebrate Harrison, Celine, and families like theirs who demonstrate extraordinary resilience, compassion, and love every day.”
When asked what he loves most about his sister, Harrison didn’t hesitate.
“Everything. She’s kind, nice, and cool.”
Since opening in 2016, North Star Reach has provided more than 8,000 camp experiences to children with serious health challenges and their families throughout Michigan and the Great Lakes region. As Michigan’s only barrier-free, medically supported residential camp and a member of the SeriousFun Children’s Network founded by Paul Newman, North Star Reach creates opportunities for children and families to build confidence, foster independence, form lifelong friendships, and experience the joy of childhood in a safe and supportive environment.
Community members are invited to attend Breaking Barriers Night on Tuesday, June 23, cheer Harrison on as he throws out the ceremonial first pitch and visit North Star Reach’s concourse booth to learn more about the organization’s life-changing programs and impact. Representatives from North Star Reach will be available to answer questions about camp opportunities, volunteer engagement, and ways to support children and families living with serious health challenges. Fans can purchase tickets through the Lansing Lugnuts and are encouraged to arrive early for the pregame festivities.
“We are so excited to partner with North Star Reach this summer to celebrate two amazing anniversary years,” said Lansing Lugnuts General Manager Zac Clark. “Our first chance to celebrate together will be on Tuesday and are really looking forward to a fun night at Jackson Field welcoming in Harrison to throw out a first pitch for his birthday! Our goal is to make every guest that comes to Jackson Field feel welcome, so we hope to see all of Harrison’s friends and family there to cheer him on and go ‘Nuts with us!”
As part of its Year of Mooseness celebration, North Star Reach is currently accepting applications for three fall Family Camp weekends and welcomes individuals, families, community groups, and businesses interested in volunteering, donating, or becoming involved in its mission. Additional information is available at www.northstarreach.org/year-of-mooseness.
EVENT INFORMATION
Breaking Barriers Night
Lansing Lugnuts vs. Great Lakes Loons
Tuesday, June 23
Ceremonial First Pitch: 6:40 – 6:50 pm
Jackson Field
505 East Michigan Avenue
Lansing, MI 48912
Fans are encouraged to arrive early to cheer on Harrison Brewbaker as he throws out the ceremonial first pitch and visit North Star Reach’s concourse booth to learn more about camp opportunities, volunteer engagement, and ways to support children and families living with serious health challenges.
Tickets and event information are available through the Lansing Lugnuts at https://www.milb.com/lansing/tickets/single-game-tickets.
