Arlington Heights' Saviano honored

Tuesday was a special evening for Jolan Saviano of Arlington Heights.

She had her picture taken with Cubs Hall of Famer Billy Williams and then got to step onto Wrigley Field for a pregame ceremony.

Saviano is a breast cancer survivor, and on Tuesday, she served as honorary bat girl as Major League Baseball teamed with Susan G. Komen for the Cure to raise awareness in the fight against breast cancer.

"It's actually kind of crazy," Saviano said. "I was diagnosed two years ago (Wednesday). Everything's good."

Saviano submitted her story of survival to Major League Baseball. Fans on mlb.com and celebrity judges voted on winners to represent each of the 30 big-league teams. Many honorees were feted on Mother's Day, but because the Cubs were on the road, Tuesday was their night. Saviano described herself as a lifelong Cubs fan.

"Absolutely," she said. "I've been to Opening Day for the past 13 years straight. It was total disbelief (winning). It was like I can't believe out of everybody who signed up ... there was like 40 people, 50 people. When they told me, I said, 'I'm going to get to be on Wrigley Field.' "

Saviano, who said her favorite Cubs player is second baseman Ryan Theriot, took part in pregame festivities accompanied by Cubs relief pitcher James Russell.