Organizations teaming up once again to raise awareness and funds in fight against cancer
For the eighth consecutive year, the Green Bay Packers, Bellin Health and the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation are teaming up and inviting fans to take part in the Packers Vs. Cancer campaign. The initiative is aimed at raising awareness of all cancers, raising funds for research and care and reminding fans that early screenings save lives.
“We’re proud to kick off our Packers Vs. Cancer effort to show our support for the fight against cancer,” said Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy. “In previous years, we’ve heard from fans who say how this campaign has impacted them, from motivating them to get screened for cancer to being reminded that they’re not alone in the battle against cancer. We’re pleased to build on this program for another year along with Bellin Health and the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation.”
Packers offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins and cornerback Jaire Alexander joined representatives from Bellin Health and the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation at the Bellin Health Cancer Team on Tuesday to officially launch the program for another year. Jenkins is lending his support as a campaign spokesperson this year.
Following the formal announcement, the group received a tour of the Bellin Health Cancer Team, which offers medical and radiation oncology, infusion services, palliative medicine, oncology genetics, physical and speech therapy and other cancer treatment support services. On average, Bellin Health does approximately 15,000 infusions and 10,000 total radiation treatments on an annual basis.
This year’s Packers Vs. Cancer campaign features a new Packers Vs. Cancer hat, with $5 from the sale of each hat going directly to the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation. The green New Era winter knit hat, which features the Packers logo on the front and the Packers Vs. Cancer logo on the side, is available now, both in-store and online. Shoppers at the Packers Pro Shop can also help raise funds for the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation by adding a $1 or more donation to any purchase, now through the month of October. Those who donate will help contribute to the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation’s ongoing cancer research programs.
The campaign will be recognized during the game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Sept. 29. The game will be presented by Bellin Health and attending fans will receive a Packers Vs. Cancer rally towel. The game will also incorporate several game entertainment elements that will honor cancer survivors and their loved ones.
“Educating the public on reducing their risk and the importance of early detection can truly make a difference in the fight against cancer, and we are so grateful to the Packers and the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation for helping us amplify that message through this annual campaign,” said Bellin Region President Chris Woleske. “Working together, we can improve prognoses and save lives.”
Several Packers players will also help bring the Packers Vs. Cancer initiative to the high school level by visiting the matchup between De Pere High School and West De Pere High School on Friday, Sept. 27. Community members are invited to the game to join the fun. The Packers will present a donation to a joint effort of the two schools’ Sting Cancer programs. The game will be broadcast live on WACY— TV32.
Named for the legendary Packers coach, the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation is dedicated to winning the battle against cancer by funding advancements in cancer research and compassionate care. In the first seven years of the Packers Vs. Cancer initiative, the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation has directed the funds raised toward a variety of programs, including pediatric care research and childhood cancer treatments, programs for women cancer survivors and developing therapies for leukemia.
“The Green Bay Packers and Bellin Health are valued partners in the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation’s work to prevent cancer, provide superior care to patients, and find a cure,” said Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation’s executive director Anne Marie Moss. “The Packers vs. Cancer initiative unites a strong Packers football fanbase in the fight to end cancer, and we are excited to see the impact of this year’s campaign.”