The Bolts continue a long-standing tradition of raising awareness about early detection and providing support to cancer survivors through Sunday's "Crucial Catch" game presented by UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center
The Los Angeles Chargers – a trailblazer among sports teams for promoting early detection and the first NFL team in the nation to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month by offering free mammograms to the community – will continue the organization's advocacy for cancer risk reduction on Sunday when they take on the New Orleans Saints. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. PT.
While the NFL's Crucial Catch Initiative encompasses all types of cancer, on Sunday the team will pay special attention to breast cancer awareness – a cause deeply personal to Susie Spanos, wife of Chargers Chairman of the Board and Controlling Owner Dean Spanos, who is herself a breast cancer survivor and champion for early detection.
Prior to even arriving at SoFi Stadium, fans attending Sunday's game will notice their tickets are pink – either in their Ticketmaster accounts or when added to their Apple Wallet – in honor of breast cancer awareness. Upon entrance, fans will then receive pink ribbons from members of the Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity (ZTA) of women – an organization that coordinates and participates in special events throughout October to raise funds for breast cancer education while increasing awareness about the importance of early detection. Additionally, fans will have the opportunity to sign messages to their loved ones affected by cancer on the team's trademark, oversized "Bolt Up" letters on the main concourse.
To bring awareness to all types of cancer, American Lung Cancer Screening Initiatives, Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, Jessie Rees Foundation, the ZTAs and UCLA Health Jonnson Comprehensive Cancer Center will be available on the concourse hosting interactive booths where fans can write inspiring messages to children with cancer, receive corresponding ribbons and gather information on the importance of early detection through UCLA Health's "buggin' you to get screened" program featuring a pink VW Beetle.
Prior to kickoff, the national anthem will be performed by Felicia Temple, a modern-pop and R&B singer from season 12 of The Voice who is also a registered nurse and cancer survivor. Temple will be joined on the field by ZTAs holding American flags and a pink breast cancer awareness ribbon during the performance.
At halftime, Temple will be accompanied by 100 ZTAs and 50 cancer survivors and thrivers from UCLA Health and the American Cancer Society, along with their caregivers, on the field for a powerful performance. As part of the show, members of the Concordia University Irvine, Concert Handbells will carry out an eloquent and impactful ensemble.
For over 15 years, the NFL has contributed more than $27 million to the American Cancer Society through sales of Crucial Catch branded merchandise, NFL Auction items and general fundraising. Crucial Catch empowers fans to take their health into their own hands by getting screened for cancer, educated on the importance of early detection, and discovering ways to reduce their cancer risk. Every year, the Chargers Impact Fund makes an additional $10,000 donation to the cause. At halftime, Susie Spanos will welcome members from the American Cancer Society onto the field for the check presentation.
Earlier this month, the Chargers hosted UCLA Health breast cancer patients and survivors at their facility in El Segundo to engage in a mindful and relaxing breathwork event. The Chargers practice fields were flaunting vibrant pink yoga mats as Sarah Harbaugh, wife of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh, along with Chargers' kicker Cameron Dicker and wide receivers Brenden Rice and DJ Chark joined the women for the hour-long breathwork. Prior to the practice, participants enjoyed the energy and emotional support of adoptable puppies from Wallis Annenberg PetSpace.
Later this week, UCLA Health cancer survivors and thrivers who underwent treatment for various types including prostate, lung and colorectal cancer – along with their families and caregivers – will have the opportunity to participate in a meet and greet with the team post-practice to bring awareness to all forms of cancer diagnosis.
In addition to Crucial Catch, Sunday's match up will also serve as the Chargers "NFL Votes" game. As part of the league-wide nonpartisan initiative that supports and encourages civic engagement among the NFL, the Chargers will open a mobile voting unit where fans from LA County will have the opportunity to cast their ballot and participate in early voting for the 2024 Presidential Election. The mobile voting unit will be on the level 6 south concourse.
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