Today, on NFL football fields across America, goal posts were wrapped in pink padding and burly athletes donned pink shoes, pink gloves or pink caps to kick off October’s Breast Cancer Awareness month.
The pink campaign dubbed “A Crucial Catch”, focuses on the importance of annual mammogram screenings for women over the age of 40. Throughout October, the pink apparel worn by players, coaches and referees will be autographed and sold at auction through the NFL website, with proceeds benefitting the American Cancer Society and team charities.
Also up for auction, a VIP trip to the next Super Bowl and a 2011 Pro Bowl Spa Retreat in Hawaii.
Speaking for the campaign dubbed “A Crucial Catch”, the wife of Redskins owner Dan Snyder, and wife of Chargers president Dean Spanos bring passion to the cause that hits close to home.
For Tanya Snyder, a longtime breast cancer fund-raiser, the connection to breast cancer is a personal one.
“Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 American women, and I was one of them a few years ago,” she said. “I am proud to work with the league and the Redskins to remind fans about the importance of annual screenings.”
Susie Spanos is a big advocate for early detection, having caught early-stage cancer during a routine exam. She had the cancer removed and to this day insists on getting checked annually.
“I’m an example of when early detection is successful,” she said. “I feel strongly that women need to be their own health advocate, and if there is anything to say, women need to speak up.”