GREEN BAY (NBC 26) — This October, 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. For the fifth straight year, the initiative is aimed at raising awareness of all cancers, raising funds for research and cancer care and reminding fans that early screenings save lives.
“Cancer impacts the lives of many families in our community, and we’re proud to show our support to them through the Packers vs. Cancer campaign,” said Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy. “We’re pleased to partner once again with Bellin Health and the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation to remind fans to get screened, to raise funds for critical cancer research and to help those fighting cancer.”
The Packers kicked off the campaign this week at the Packers Pro Shop by debuting two new Packers vs. Cancer New Era hats: a black cap and a black and green winter knit hat, both of which have a Packers logo on the front and Packers vs. Cancer logo on the side. The hats are available now, both in-store and online, with $5 from each hat sale going directly to the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation.
Shoppers at the Packers Pro Shop can also take part in the Packers vs. Cancer effort by helping raise funds for the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation by adding $1 or more to their 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 team is set to recognize the campaign during the Sunday, Oct. 3, game against Pittsburgh. The game is presented by Bellin Health, and fans attending will receive a Packers vs. Cancer banner to show their support for those facing cancer. The game will also honor cancer survivors and those who have been touched by cancer in a variety of ways, with video board features highlighting the experiences of several Packers players, alumni and coaches.
Packers alumni and Packers Hall of Famer Nick Collins is also taking part in the Packers Vs. Cancer campaign as a spokesperson this year, and he shared the story of his family’s experience with cancer at Thursday’s press conference kicking off the campaign. His story will also be shared on the video boards at Lambeau Field during the game and in a video on packers.com during the month of October.
“Nationwide, missed screenings due to the COVID-19 pandemic number in the millions, and those missed screenings have real long-term implications for the lives and livelihoods of people here in our region and across the United States,” said Bellin Health President & CEO Chris Woleske. “We know early screening saves lives, and we are proud to partner with the Packers and the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation to share this critical message. Get screened, and tell your loved ones to get screened. You could save a life.”
Former Packers players will also bring the Packers vs. Cancer initiative to the high school level by visiting with fans at the historic matchup between Green Bay West High School and Green Bay East High School on Friday, Oct. 1. Community members are invited to the game, and rally towels and t-shirts will be for sale, with proceeds benefiting the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation.
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 four 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.
“Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation furthers our mission of preventing cancer, providing the best care to those fighting it, and finding a cure with the help of our partnership with the Green Bay Packers and Bellin Health,” said Ben Haas, board member with the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation. “We are able to raise more funds and awareness for cancer research when we come together as a team.”
For more information about Packers vs. Cancer, visit packers.com/community/packers-vs-cancer.
