The Kansas City Chiefs month-long support of the NFL's "A Crucial Catch" campaign in recognition of October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month will kick off with several activities and events planned for the Oct. 11 game vs. the Chicago Bears.
The team's efforts, which coincide with NFL and NFL Players Association initiatives surrounding this cause, are being presented by The University of Kansas Hospital and Hy-Vee and will benefit breast cancer patient care at The University of Kansas Cancer Center.
On Sunday, fans will be greeted at the game by volunteers from Zeta Tau Alpha (ZTA), who will distribute "Think Pink" ribbons to be worn as a sign of support to raise awareness for breast cancer screening and early detection.
Members of the Chiefs Women's Organization (CWO) will also greet fans with "I Cheer For…" cards which can be used to write the name of someone who has been affected by cancer. Fans are encouraged to participate by posting a selfie with it using the hashtag #ChiefsVsCancer on their social media accounts. These images will be shared in-stadium as well as online at www.chiefs.com/chiefsvscancer. The mission of the CWO is to build goodwill in the community through active volunteer participation.
In addition, fans are also encouraged to bring their own signs in support of loved ones affected by the disease. Signs must fall within permitted guidelines for banners and signs provided on http://www.kcchiefs.com/arrowhead/clearbagpolicy.html.
Throughout the month, visitors to www.chiefs.com will see messaging and themes designed to raise awareness of the issue as the website has been turned pink. Fans can link from www.chiefs.com to www.kucancercenter.org to get more information about breast cancer screening and treatment.
Additionally, during the month of October, fans can purchase special pink Chiefs merchandise at the Chiefs Pro Shop at Arrowhead Stadium and on www.shop.chiefs.com. The Chiefs Pro Shop is open Monday- Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on home gamedays. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of these items at the Chiefs Pro Shop at Arrowhead Stadium in the month of October will be donated to support breast cancer patient care at The University of Kansas Cancer Center's Genetic Counseling.
Inside the stadium, pregame festivities will feature 60 Season Ticket Members with a personal connection to breast cancer holding the Chiefs flag and pink ribbons on the field during the National Anthem. A breast cancer survivor will also participate in the game's ceremonial first pass. Select Season Ticket Members who submitted their stories of how they have been affected by breast cancer will be featured on www.chiefs.com leading up to the game. The Hunt Family Foundation 50/50 Raffle beneficiary for the Oct. 11 game is The University of Kansas Cancer Center's Genetic Counseling.
Efforts to raise awareness will continue throughout the game as fan favorites KC Wolf and the Chiefs Cheerleaders will wear pink to show their support of the cause. At halftime, local artist Pamela Todd will perform as 60 Season Ticket Members and Red Coaters who have been affected by the disease in some way take the field for a special pink balloon release.
During the Oct. 11 and Oct. 25 games, the Chiefs in partnership with The University of Kansas Hospital, will celebrate one honoree who is a breast cancer survivor. The Chiefs Pink Seat Honoree will receive four tickets to the game, pregame field passes and an autographed pink football courtesy of the Chiefs.
At both Chiefs home games in October, and at NFL stadiums across the country throughout October, every game will feature game balls with pink ribbon decals, pink equipment for players, a pink coin for the coin toss, pink sideline hats and other gear for coaches and sideline personnel. In addition, game officials will have pink wristbands, whistles and pins. Arrowhead Stadium will feature pink goal post padding. Pieces of the Chiefs game-worn breast cancer awareness gear will be auctioned off through www.nfl.com/pink to raise funds for the cause.
