NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- LP Field turned into a sea of Pink on Sunday as the Titans conducted their annual "Crucial Catch" campaign in conjunction with October's Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The NFL, its clubs, players, the NFL Players Association and the American Cancer Society are committed to saving lives from breast cancer, and addressing the unequal burden of cancer in underserved communities.
The Titans recognize October's Breast Cancer Awareness Month during their Week 5 game against Cleveland at LP Field. (Photos: Donn Jones Photography, AP)
The NFL's "A Crucial Catch" initiative in partnership with the American Cancer Society, is focused on the importance of annual screenings, especially for women who are 40 and older. Throughout October, NFL games will feature players, coaches and referees wearing pink game apparel, as well as additional on-field and in-stadium branding - all to help raise awareness for this important campaign. Much of the apparel worn at games by players and coaches, along with special game balls and pink coins will be auctioned off at NFL Auction, with proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society's Community Health Advocates implementing Nationwide Grants for Empowerment and Equity (CHANGE) program.
This year, all NFL markets are being supported with American Cancer Society grants funded by A Crucial Catch. Over the past three years, American Cancer Society CHANGE Grants, have educated 72,000 women on the benefits and importance of breast cancer screening with more than 10,000 free or low-cost screenings performed. This lifesaving work continues in 2014 and was expanded into all 32 NFL team markets reaching more of the women who need us most. Since the launch of the grant program in 2012, the number of recipients has consistently risen
This past Sunday at LP Field, 10 breast cancer survivors from Saint Thomas Health, including one Murfreesboro man, enjoyed a pre-game meal at LP Field's Club Level, then walked down to the field before the game to watch the Titans warm-up.
Moments before kickoff, the survivors were honored at midfield. The excitement continued as they got to greet Titans players coming through the tunnel during player introductions. And just before the National Anthem, the Titans honored Cheryl Cole, who is battling breast cancer, as the 12th Titan.
It was an honorable day for those associated with breast cancer and yet another chance to bring breast cancer awareness to the forefront of everyone's mind.
