SEATTLE — Throughout the month of October, the NFL and the American Cancer Society have teamed up to raise awareness for the early detection of cancer through their annual Crucial Catch: Intercept Cancer initiative. It began in 2009 focusing mainly on breast cancer but has expanded to include the several different cancers that can be detected early through regular healthcare screenings.
In Seattle, the Seahawks have teamed up with Virginia Mason and CHI Franciscan to promote the campaign and encourage the 12's: "We are trying to get our Seahawk fans to go and talk to their primary care providers about cancer programs or cancer screening programs that they may qualify for," explained CHI Franciscan's Dr. Jason Tcheng.
For some people, making the initial appointment can be the hardest part. Once you've connected with your primary care doctor, they help guide the process, "It starts with a conversation with your primary health care provider about what cancers an individual person might be at risk for, and what screening opportunities are available," explained Virginia Mason's Dr. Timothy Zisman.
Former Seahawks Safety Nesby Glasgow is currently fighting liver cancer, and is proud to join this year's campaign, "The more I can get out and talk about it, hopefully, the more people actually go in and get a check-up."
Both Nesby's father and grandfather passed away from cancer, "Back when they had cancer, the one thing I realized was that, for the most part, cancer truly was a death sentence," but detection and treatment has come a long way since then, "Today, you can put it off if you do the right things -- if you are willing to fight for your life." Diagnosed in March 2018, Nesby is a born fighter and says his cancer is getting smaller as he undergoes treatment.
Crucial Catch is committed to getting football fans from their couch to the doctor's office, "The earlier we detect the cancer, the more treatment options we have available, the higher likelihood of a cure, and the less invasive those options are," said Dr. Zisman.
Visit Seahawks.com/CrucialCatch to learn more about cancer screening and early detection. If you don't have a primary care provider, Virginia Mason and CHI Franciscan offer several primary care locations throughout Puget Sound.
How to Participate - Crucial Catch: Intercept Cancer
Fans can support Crucial Catch activities throughout the month of October, including:
Seattle Seahawks host the team's annual Crucial Catch Game, Oct. 20 versus the Baltimore Ravens.
Crucial Cash
- During the month of October, the Seahawks will donate 12% of the proceeds from in-store Pro Shop purchases of Crucial Catch headwear to Crucial Cash. In partnership with Virginia Mason and CHI Franciscan, Crucial Cash funds will help local patients who cannot cover the incidental costs of cancer treatment.
- Additional donations will be taken at all Pro Shop locations throughout the month of October.
- The Seahawks will be auctioning off game-worn items from players and coaches to benefit Crucial Cash. Visit Auctions.Seahawks.com and click the “Charity” tab to view the items.
Blue Friday Rally
The American Cancer Society will host a special Blue Friday rally at noon on Friday, Oct. 18, at Westlake Park in downtown Seattle located at 401 Pine Street. Fans are invited to participate in a traditional pep rally featuring Seahawks Dancers, Blue Thunder and mascot Blitz.
At the Game
- CenturyLink Field concessions will donate $0.25 from every Dasani bottled water purchase to Crucial Cash.
- Fans can celebrate family and friends affected by cancer by personalizing an “I CELEBRATE” placard, which will be available at all four Seahawks Pro Shop locations as well as on October 20 pregame in Touchdown City.
Campaign Colors
As an encouragement to schedule regular healthcare screenings, fans will see a variety of colors throughout the campaign that represent multiple cancers that can be detected early, including:
- Navy: Colon Cancer
- Pink: Breast Cancer
- Lavender: All Cancers
- Teal: Cervical Cancer
- Blue: Prostate Cancer
- Gold: Childhood Cancers
- White: Lung Cancer
The CenturyLink Field arch lights will also feature an array of these colors the week leading up to the game to represent the campaign.
Sponsored by Virginia Mason. Watch New Day Northwest 11 AM weekdays on KING 5, and streaming live on KING5.com. Connect with New Day via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.