Hardly a day goes by when you don’t see a reminder about cancer. It’s always present — in media, Facebook posts, in the faces of friends and family members who are battling it, and in the faces of loved ones doing what they can to offer support.
The 49ers hosted the third annual Crucial Catch Fashion Show on Wednesday, Oct. 2 at Levi’s Stadium. The event, presented by Dignity Health, helped kick off the NFL’s cancer awareness campaign and featured 19 cancer warriors paired with 49ers players. As each Warrior came down the runway, their story of their battle with cancer, their story of their strength and courage were shared with the audience.
“It makes me feel really grateful to be here,” said Cancer Warrior Estephanie Gomez, who is battling a brain tumor (Craniopharyngioma). “This is actually my second fashion show that I got to participate in, and it’s just been very fun.”
Most people use the term “Cancer Survivor,” but to anyone who has battled cancer, that is term can seem self-defeating. 49ers Running Back Raheem Mostert had the best explanation for the use of Cancer Warrior.
“My wife’s side of the family has dealt with cancer and they’ve been terrific,” said Mostert on Cancer Warriors in his life. “They’re some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet because they’re going through something you’ll never know. They don’t shy away from it — they’re just living life.”
The 49ers players escorting the Cancer Warriors on the runway had fun with it. Most had practiced what they would do when they reached the end of the runway. Even after the event was over, they stayed and talked with families and other Cancer Warriors.
The NFL’s Crucial Catch to Intercept Cancer campaign is committed to the fight against cancer. Since 2009, the campaign has raised more than $20 million for the American Cancer Society. For more information on the campaign, visit the NFL’s website: www.nfl.com/crucialcatch.