For the seventh 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 pleased to launch the Packers Vs. Cancer effort for another year to demonstrate our support for those fighting cancer and their loved ones," said Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy. "We are proud to join with our partners, Bellin Health and the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation, to build on the impact this campaign has had over the first six years. From raising funds for cancer research to reminding our fans and fellow community members to get screened, we're looking forward to another year of joining the fight against cancer."
Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon and running back Patrick Taylor 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. Nixon 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.
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 Oct. 16. Those who donate will help contribute to the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation's ongoing cancer research programs.
Green Bay Packers CB Keisean Nixon, RB Patrick Taylor, TE Luke Musgrave and TE Tucker Kraft visited two hospitals on Tuesday, Sept. 19, to visit with cancer patients.
The campaign will be recognized during the game against the Detroit Lions on Thursday, Sept. 28. The game will be presented by Bellin Health and attending fans will receive a Packers Vs. Cancer wall flag. The game will also incorporate several game entertainment elements that will honor cancer survivors and their loved ones.
"No one fights cancer alone, and we want to spread the message that there is help and hope after a diagnosis and throughout an individual's treatment journey," said Bellin Region President Chris Woleske. "We are so grateful to the Packers and the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation for their continued partnership in this effort — raising awareness and funds, and helping us continue to spread the message that screening saves lives."
Several Packers players will also help bring the Packers Vs. Cancer initiative to the high school level by visiting the matchup between Pulaski High School and Green Bay Southwest High School on Friday, Oct. 6. 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 on WACY— TV32. Packers players Tucker Kraft and Luke Musgrave also joined the effort on Tuesday by visiting patients at Children's Wisconsin in Milwaukee.
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 six 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."
