GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) - For the ninth consecutive year, the Green Bay Packers, Emplify Health by Bellin, and the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation are teaming up and inviting fans to take part in the Packers V.S. 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 join with our partners Emplify Health by Bellin and the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation to launch another year of the Packers Vs. Cancer campaign,” said Packers director of public affairs Aaron Popkey. “We’re honored to stand alongside those who have been touched by cancer and use this effort to help remind our fans that we are all a part of the team when it comes to the fight against cancer. We look forward to once again spreading awareness, encouraging screenings and raising funds during the month of October.”
Packers defensive lineman James Ester joined representatives from Emplify Health by Bellin and the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation on Tuesday to officially launch the program for another year.
During the announcement, Ester shared the story of his friend’s experience with cancer, then greeted patients while receiving a tour of the Cancer Team at Emplify Health by Bellin.
The facility offers medical and radiation oncology, infusion services, palliative medicine, oncology genetics, physical and speech therapy and other cancer treatment support services.
On average, Emplify Health by Bellin does approximately 15,000 infusions and 12,000 total radiation treatments every year.
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 striped New Era winter knit hat, which features the Packers logo on the front and the Packers V.S. Cancer logo on the back, is available now, both in-store and online at packersproshop.com.
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 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 Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, Oct. 12. The game will be presented by Emplify Health by Bellin and attending fans will receive a Packers Vs. Cancer bandana. The game will also incorporate several game entertainment elements that will honor cancer survivors and their loved ones.
“We know cancer screenings save lives yet fear of the results and not knowing when to start remain barriers for many patients,” said Dr. Scott Rathgaber, Emplify Health CEO. “We are grateful to the Packers and the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation for helping us amplify the critical importance of screening and early detection while reinforcing the message that there is help and hope after diagnosis.”
Several Packers players will also help bring the Packers V.S. Cancer initiative to the high school level by visiting Notre Dame Academy as the Tritons host the Menasha Bluejays on Friday, Sept. 26. Community members are invited to the game to join the fun.
The Packers will present a donation to both schools to devote to cancer initiatives; Notre Dame will direct the donation to Ribbon of Hope, and Menasha will direct it to Spierings Cancer Foundation.
Established in memory of the legendary Packers coach, the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation works to prevent cancer, provide superior patient care, and find a cure.
The funds raised through the Packers vs. Cancer initiative help fund innovative cancer research and treatments, such as exercise rehabilitation for cancer survivors, investigations to prevent cancer metastasis, and patient navigation programs.
“The Packers vs. Cancer campaign shines a spotlight on the importance of cancer screening for early detection, in addition to raising critical funds for cancer research and patient care,” says Ann Marie Moss, Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation Executive Director. “We are grateful for the partnership of the Green Bay Packers and Emplify Health by Bellin to unite Packers fans in the fight against cancer.”
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