For the sixth 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.
"So many in our community have been affected by cancer in one way or another, and we're honored to show our support for them with our annual Packers Vs. Cancer campaign," said Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy. "We're proud to team up again with Bellin Health and the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation to raise funds for cancer research, and for those battling the disease. We hope the campaign provides a reminder to our fans to visit their primary care providers and schedule their screenings."
Murphy was joined by Packers running back AJ Dillon, as well as representatives from Bellin Health and the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation on Tuesday to officially launch the program for another year. Dillon is lending his support as a campaign spokesperson this year, and he shared the story of his family's experience with cancer at Tuesday's announcement. Several additional Packers players will also join the effort this year by visiting patients at Children's Wisconsin in Milwaukee in September and visiting cancer patients at a Bellin Health facility during October.
The Packers Pro Shop is kicking off the campaign through the sale of a new Packers Vs. Cancer hat, with $5 from each hat sale going directly to the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation. The green and gold New Era winter knit hat features the Packers logo on the front and the Packers Vs. Cancer logo on the back and 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, starting 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 New England Patriots on Sunday, Oct. 2. The game will be presented by Bellin Health and attending fans will receive a jersey-shaped rally towel. Fans will see game entertainment elements that will honor cancer survivors and their loved ones, including video board features highlighting the experiences of several Packers players and alumni.
"Cancer screening rates remain lower than expected after taking a serious hit early in the pandemic — and that has real implications for diagnosis, treatment, and most importantly, survival," said Bellin Health President & CEO Chris Woleske. "We are proud to partner with the Green Bay Packers and the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation to spread the critical message that screening saves lives, and that there are things we can all do to reduce our risk. So please get screened, and tell your loved ones to do the same. You could save a life."
Several Packers players will also help bring the Packers Vs. Cancer initiative to the high school level by visiting the matchup between Denmark High School and Luxemburg-Casco High School on Friday, Sept. 30. Community members are invited to the game, and t-shirts will be for sale with proceeds benefitting the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation. The game will be broadcast live by NBC 26.
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 five 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.
"Cancer is a disease that has impacted almost all of us and we can't defeat it alone," said Aaron Hart, board member with the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation. "That's why our partnership with the Green Bay Packers and Bellin Health is so impactful. We are able to offer more support to cancer research and treatment programs when we come together as a team."
For more information about Packers Vs. Cancer, please visit packers.com/community/packers-vs-cancer. To see Bellin Health's new video spot featuring Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur, please visit youtube.com/watch?v=HH1JSkS6NE8&t=30s.
