As part of the continued commitment to the National Football League's (NFL) and American Cancer Society's (ACS) "Crucial Catch: Intercept Cancer" campaign, for the 17th consecutive year, the Cleveland Browns brought awareness in the fight against all cancers during the month of October.
Through local collaboration and partnerships, the Browns have annually worked alongside partners including the American Cancer Society, University Hospitals, The Littlest Heroes and more. In this work, the Browns have supported the league's efforts by contributing to the direct impact nationwide through education, navigation and screening reminders.
"Over the years, Crucial Catch has exuded teamwork, nationally and locally, as we collaborate with partners, recognize our fans and humanize the challenges and relationships we all have with cancer," Vice President of Community Relations Jenner Tekancic said.
The Browns then kicked the month off with inviting both players and staff to wear custom Cleveland Browns-branded shoelaces designed to reflect the seven colors of the Crucial Catch ribbon, each representing a different form of cancer. These laces served as personal tributes to loved ones affected by the disease and were worn throughout the month.
One of those tributes came from Browns Chief Administrative Officer & General Counsel Ted Tywang. In honor of Bridget McDevitt, who courageously battled high-grade neuroendocrine cancer, the Bridget McDevitt NET Cancer Lab was recently established at University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center to advance research and support others facing rare cancers. The lab, led by leading NET cancer specialist Dr. Amr Mohamed, reflects McDevitt's legacy of helping others and creating lasting change. To donate or learn more, visit https://fundraise.uhgiving.org/fundraiser/6603480.
Then during the team's annual Browns Give Back Tuesday on Oct. 14 alongside University Hospitals, C Luke Wypler and Browns mascot Chomps visited pediatric patients' rooms in the Angie Fowler Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer Institute at UH Rainbow Babies & Children's, while DE Isaiah McGuire and recently retired Browns WR David Bell met with oncology patients receiving treatment at UH Seidman Cancer Center.
"Today was amazing to be able to go into a room and be able to bring joy to people who are going through a really hard time, and to be able to lift them up," Wypler said. "I think any time you can contribute to a cause that helps a lot of people and just be a little part of it means a lot. And that's all I want to be just a part of something that is able to help everyone else involved."
Then on Oct. 19, the Browns hosted their annual cancer awareness game against the Dolphins at Huntington Bank Field, presented by University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center. Through multiple local and national partnerships, cancer survivors, family members and caregivers were celebrated for their courageous fight.
UH Seidman Cancer Center and the American Cancer Society representatives shared information on cancer awareness, early screening and detection outside on Dawg Pound Drive ahead of the game. Additionally, marking their 23rd year contributing to the Browns' efforts, Zeta Tau Alpha alumnae and collegiate members distributed pink ribbons to all fans attending the game. Since this partnership first began, over 1,000,000 ribbons have been allocated to Browns fans attending home games during the month of October.
Prior to kickoff, as part of the University Hospitals Survivorship Program, Mary Jo Mazzarella took part in the second annual pregame Bell Ringing Ceremony, a hospital tradition signifying the end of chemotherapy or radiation treatment. Other University Hospitals Survivors and Caregivers also participated in various gameday elements, as UH Rainbow pediatric patients Ellie Hirokawa and Jaxon Mihelic were the first and second half Kickoff Kids, and colorectal cancer survivor Venoy Rogers served as the Coin Toss Captain. The Browns also recognized Dr. Melinda Hsu, a thoracic oncologist at University Hospitals, during the game.
The Browns closed out the month with the fourth annual Halloween Fashion Show on Oct. 22. In partnership with University Hospitals and The Littlest Heroes, the Browns hosted patients battling cancer and other childhood illnesses for a night of Halloween festivities.
The Littlest Heroes – a Cleveland-based nonprofit organization – provides emergency financial support for families battling pediatric cancer and other childhood illnesses. For the past 20 years, over 10,000 lives across Northeast Ohio have been impacted by the organization's assistance and efforts.
Browns players such as G Joel Bitonio, S Grant Delpit, WR Luke Floriea, RB Quinshon Judkins, T Cornelius Lucas, TE David Njoku, C Ethan Pocic, LB Carson Schwesinger, K Andre Szmyt and WR Cedric Tillman joined the 19 children to walk the runway in costumes.
"Since I've been here, Browns Give Back has done so much for the community," Bitonio said. "Events like this, you see kids in their costumes, and everyone wants to enjoy it. So, for us to come out here and spend a little time with them, it's a no-brainer. It's a great experience."
