A Crucial Catch: Annual Screening Saves Lives

A Crucial Catch: Annual Screening Saves Lives
By: Amber Rogers
Photo: NFL Web site

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States. The National Football League (NFL) has launched a campaign in support of the fight against breast cancer. "A Crucial Catch: Annual Screening Saves Lives" is the name of the campaign and it focuses on the importance of annual screening for women especially over the age of 40. Since the month of October is nationally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness month, NFL players, coaches and referees will be wearing pink, the color associated with breast cancer, apparel to help raise awareness for the cause. They are going to auction of the apparel at the NFL Auction and the proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society and team charities.

This is the second year the NFL has run this campaign. The campaign was originated by DeAngelo Williams who is the Carolina Panthers' running back. He wanted to start this campaign because it hit close to home. His mother is a breast cancer survivor, but he has three aunts who have died from the disease. Williams is not the only person in the NFL who has dealt with the disease. Many people's lives in the NFL has been affected by breast cancer.

Williams heard of some players wearing pink gloves and suggested that players wear other appareal to support the cause such as cleats. They are even using pink coins in the coin tosses in the beginning of the games. Players wear a pink ribbon sticker on the back of their helmets and some also wear pink shoes, tape, or gloves to show their support.

Several retails stores, such as Dicks and Lids, along with NFL merchandise stores are involved in the fight against breast cancer and plan to donate a portion of their proceeds to breast cancer charities.

People who are not in the NFL can participate in the cause as well by joining a local American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk as part of an NFL fan team. So far the walk has raised $12, 687.50. All proceeds from the campaign will be donated to a breast cancer organization or charity.

To learn more about or get involved in the campaign, visit the NFL Web site.

"Wear Yellow Live Strong"

Wear Yellow Live Strong

By Callie Gillock

Every year millions of people around the world are affected by cancer. On October 2, 1996, Lance Armstrong – one of the world’s best cyclists – was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Armstrong, like many others, ignored the warning signs of cancer. By the time Armstrong received the diagnosis, his cancer had already spread to his lungs, brain and abdomen. Unaware of what the future would hold, Lance Armstrong created the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

The Lance Armstrong Foundation, which is now known as LIVESTRONG, is a foundation that donates 81 cents of every dollar raised to services for cancer survivors as well as support for LIVESTRONG programs. In May 2004, the foundation teamed up with Nike and created the LIVESTRONG bracelet. The yellow bracelet is a part of the educational program “Wear Yellow Live Strong”. The program was created in an effort to raise awareness and money for cancer research. To date, there have been over 70 million bracelets sold worldwide. Since the foundation began in 1997, it has raised more than $325 million.

Marking the anniversary of Armstrong’s cancer diagnosis, every October 2 LIVESTRONG day has been dedicated to a global day of action. The worldwide event is to bring people together and wear yellow to honor people affected by cancer. People all over the world are invited to create their own LIVESTRONG event throughout the month of October. Nearly 1,142 events in 832 cities spanning over 65 countries have already been created.

The LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Campaign brings together millions of people nation wide working together to raise money and awareness for cancer research.

Picture Source: Nashmaximus