Green Bay Reporter

The Green Bay Packers, Emplify Health by Bellin, and the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation have launched this year’s Packers Vs. Cancer campaign. The initiative aims to raise awareness about cancer, encourage screenings, and generate funds throughout October.

“We’re proud to join with our partners Emplify Health by Bellin and the to launch another year of the Packers Vs. Cancer campaign,” said Packers director of public affairs Aaron Popkey. “We’re honored to stand alongside those who have been touched by cancer and use this effort to help remind our fans that we are all a part of the team when it comes to the fight against cancer. We look forward to once again spreading awareness, encouraging screenings and raising funds during the month of October.”

Packers defensive tackle James Ester participated in the official program launch at Emplify Health by Bellin on Tuesday. Ester will serve as a spokesperson for this year’s campaign and shared his family’s experience with cancer during the announcement.

After the event, Ester toured the Cancer Team at Emplify Health by Bellin. The center provides services including medical and radiation oncology, infusion treatments, palliative medicine, oncology genetics, physical therapy, speech therapy, and other support for patients undergoing cancer treatment. Each year, Emplify Health by Bellin performs about 15,000 infusions and 12,000 radiation treatments.

This year’s campaign features a new Packers Vs. Cancer hat; $5 from each sale will go directly to the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation. The hat is available both in-store and online at packersproshop.com. Additionally, shoppers can add a donation of $1 or more to any purchase through October to further support ongoing research programs led by the foundation.

The campaign will be highlighted during the Packers’ game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, Oct. 12. Presented by Emplify Health by Bellin, attending fans will receive a special bandana recognizing the initiative. The game will also include entertainment elements honoring cancer survivors and their families.

“We know cancer screenings save lives, yet fear of the results and not knowing when to start remain barriers for many patients,” said Dr. Scott Rathgaber, CEO. “We are grateful to the Packers and the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation for helping us amplify the critical importance of screening and early detection while reinforcing the message that there is help and hope after diagnosis.”

Several Packers players will extend outreach efforts into local schools by visiting Notre Dame Academy as they host Menasha Bluejays on Friday, Sept. 26. Community members are invited to attend; donations presented at this event will benefit Ribbon of Hope (Notre Dame) and Spierings Cancer Foundation (Menasha). The game will be broadcast live on WACY— TV32.

Founded in memory of former coach Vince Lombardi, the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation supports prevention efforts, patient care improvements, and research toward finding a cure for cancer. Funds raised through initiatives like Packers vs. Cancer contribute to projects such as exercise rehabilitation for survivors, research into preventing metastasis, and patient navigation programs.

"The Packers vs. Cancer campaign shines a spotlight on the importance of cancer screening for early detection, in addition to raising critical funds for cancer research and patient care," says Ann Marie Moss, Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation Executive Director. "We are grateful for the partnership of the Green Bay Packers and Emplify Health by Bellin to unite Packers fans in the fight against cancer."