MANSFIELD – The Mansfield University Athletic and Biology Departments are teaming up with the American Cancer Society (ACS) to raise awareness on cancer-related issues as part of a Crucial Catch event at the Saturday's sprint football game against Army West Point.
The mission of the NFL's Crucial Catch is to fight cancer through early detection and risk reduction. The league, its clubs, players, the NFL Player Association, and the American Cancer Society are committed to providing individuals with the tools they need to help them better understand early detection and ways to reduce their cancer risk. Each year, every NFL team raises awareness during their Crucial Catch game, which features on-field and in-stadium Crucial Catch elements. Crucial Catch games also present a special opportunity to honor cancer survivors and those currently battling cancer.
"Over the past year and half, the number one health focus has been COVID-19," Mansfield University Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Kristen Long said. "While it's important we all do our part in preventing the spread of this novel disease, it's also important to remember that cancer is still here. Screenings and early interventions are down nationwide, as is research funding for crucial preventative and curative therapies. Now more than ever it's important to spread the message that cancer hasn't stopped, but neither have we."
When? Where?
The Mountaineer sprint football team hosts Army at 1 p.m. for their crucial catch game on Saturday, Oct. 12. Gates will open at 11 a.m. at Karl Van Norman Field and fans are encouraged to wear the color(s) that represent a cancer that has affected themselves or their loved ones. The first 55 fans through the gates will receive a purple ACS koozie and a complementary water bottle.
The Mountaineer sprint football team will be wearing colored sweatbands to represent different cancers that have affected their loved ones, while a limited supply of sweatbands will be available to fans for purchase.
Colors available:
Black: melanoma
White: lung
Red: multiple myeloma
Gray: brain
Orange: leukemia/kidney
Yellow: bladder/bone
Light blue: prostate
Light green: lymphoma
Pink: breast
Green: liver
Purple: pancreatic
Blue: colon
Lavender: all cancers (available in silicone form)
Who?
Mansfield University Biology Students Lauren Griffith and Shaelyn Marx will speak on their women-led cancer research through ACS.
"Investing time, money, and effort to support women in research like Lauren and I is crucial to reach our goals in the lab as well as encourage the next generation of female researchers," Shae Marx said. "Not only are we performing groundbreaking cancer research projects, but we also work to inspire the next generation of female researchers to follow our lead."
You may give in support of Lauren and Shaelyn's research at the event or by clicking on the graphics below.
The Future Health Care Professionals club is running a tie-dye station for high socks. Proceeds generated will go directly towards ACS.
Members of Dr. Kristen Long's Cancer Awareness class will be sharing helpful information regarding lifestyle and cancer risk.
Long is an ACS advisory board member for the Northeastern PA section, a cancer immunologist, and a pancreatic cancer researcher and will share information on her department's research.
To learn more about the American Cancer Society, visit here.
