CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns will use Sunday's matchup with the Indianapolis Colts at FirstEnergy Stadium as a way to raise cancer awareness as part of the NFL's "Crucial Catch: Intercept Cancer" campaign.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the Browns will honor cancer survivors, patients currently receiving treatment and loved ones impacted using the videoboards at FirstEnergy Stadium before and during the game. In past years, the team had the opportunity to host cancer survivors who were identified by University Hospitals and American Cancer Society as they presented a special “Crucial Catch” banner on the field during pregame ceremonies.
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The importance of this campaign continuing despite the pandemic becomes evident as statistics show routine screenings have seen a drop rate of between 86-94 percent for some cancers since March 2020.
Also on Tuesday, the Browns and Browns players will virtually interact with patients who are receiving treatment for various types of cancer at University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center during its First and Ten community visit.
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As part of the awareness efforts for “Crucial Catch: Intercept Cancer,” the Browns will also continue their involvement in National Breast Cancer Awareness Month with the American Cancer Society and its annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. Due to the inability to host an in-person event, the Browns and American Cancer society have partnered to create a visual drive-thru experience outside of FirstEnergy Stadium from 6:30- 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17. The socially-distant presentation will feature luminaria to honor and remember those who have previously and are currently facing cancer and advance the fight against breast cancer. Individual tribute luminaries will be placed on Al Lerner Way and can be purchased here for $10 or $25.
Once again in 2020, the NFL, Browns and American Cancer Society are tackling multiple types of cancer through the “Crucial Catch” campaign, in addition to breast cancer. After nearly a decade of supporting breast cancer awareness and screenings, the league’s platform expanded to encompass early detection and risk reduction resources for all types of cancers to increase its potential impact and help save lives.
Select game-used items will be available on NFL Auction (www.NFL.com/auction) throughout October, with all net proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society. Fans may also purchase special “Crucial Catch: Intercept Cancer” merchandise at www.NFLshop.com. The NFL does not profit from the sale or auction of cancer awareness-identified merchandise. Charitable contributions are donated to the American Cancer Society to support the CHANGE grant program.
Visit www.ClevelandBrowns.com/brownsgiveback or www.NFL.com/crucialcatch to learn more about the campaign, as well as access important cancer detection information, prevention tips and more.