The Baltimore Ravens have made a commitment to supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a variety of initiatives throughout the month of October. The October 11 home game against the Cleveland Browns kicked off a week of events designed to bring awareness to an issue that affects a large population of women in the United States.
Sunday, October 11th
Ravens staff, family members and volunteers distributed over 50,000 pink ribbons to fans as they entered M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday before the Ravens’ Breast Cancer Awareness game. In collaboration with the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) campaign, “A Crucial Catch: Annual Screening Saves Lives,” women 40 and older were reminded about the importance of having an annual mammogram.
The Ravens honored a group of approximately 20 breast cancer survivors and women currently undergoing treatment. The attendees were honored with an on-field ceremonial tribute.
Ravens players and coaches wore pink items throughout the game, including cleats, gloves, hats, wristbands, Gatorade towels and more. Ravens cheerleaders used pink
pom-poms, while team mascot Poe wore a pink New Era baseball cap. Members of Baltimore’s Marching Ravens wore wear pink plumes. The Ravens Gameday magazine was highlighted with a pink hue also.
Game-worn pink merchandise, along with special game balls and pink coins, are being auctioned off at www.nflauction.nfl.com. The proceeds benefit the ACS’s Community Health Advocates implementing Nationwide Grants for Empowerment and Equity (CHANGE) program. The program has raised more than $8 million to raise breast cancer awareness, along with funding prevention and research efforts. This is all a result of the “A Crucial Catch” campaign. Most of the funding comes from the sale of pink NFL Auction items.
Tuesday, October 13th
The American Cancer Society and the NFL’s “A Crucial Catch” campaign has provided funding to support increased access to breast cancer education and screening resources for those in underserved communities. The ACS has awarded $50,000 in Community Health Advocate funds. The funds were awarded by implementing National Grants for Empowerment (CHANGE), a grant to the Family Health Centers of Baltimore in Cherry Hill.
They have also made continued efforts to increase breast cancer screenings in the community. As part of the grant, the Ravens participated in A Crucial Catch Day on Tuesday, October 13. The event was a nationwide event held in cities across the country to help women receive breast cancer education and screenings. Pre-registered women learned ways to reduce the risk of breast cancer and the importance of early detection at the Family Health Centers of Baltimore in Cherry Hill.
Sunday, October 18th
The Ravens have also partnered with the American Cancer Society through support of the nonprofit’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event on Sunday, October 18. Ravens fans are encouraged to join Team Purple and will receive a commemorative t-shirt. For more information, visit: ttp://main.acsevents.org/goto/RavensTeamPurple
Monday, October 19th
The efforts for Breast Cancer Awareness Month continue on Monday, October 19 when the Ravens will host a “Sip & Paint Night” at M&T Bank Stadium. This event is for pre-registered participants who are currently battling or have overcome breast cancer. Anyone attending will be able to indulge in refreshments, hors d’oeuvres and take part in a Ravens-themed instructional painting session provided by Trevino Paint of Pikesville, Maryland.