ASHWAUBENON, Wis. — For the seventh year, the Green Bay Packers, Bellin Health and the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation are teaming up for the initiative known as Packers Versus Cancer.
On Tuesday, Keisean Nixon and running back Patrick Taylor toured Bellin’s cancer center where they met with patients and staff.
Nixon knows the toll cancer can take. He’s watched his mom fight breast cancer from afar.
“It was really tough, especially being here in Green Bay. So far away from home and not being able to see her because of chemo, radiation, and stuff like that,” he said. “It was just spending as many hours on FaceTime talking to her trying to understand the process she’s going through. Doctors visits, how often she’s in the hospital, it was big for me.”
Nixon is sharing his story to draw attention to the prevention of cancer and efforts to combat the disease.
“Everybody should go get a screening. Just going to the doctor regularly and getting checkups on your life is important. Your body is your health, and your health is a body so it’s all you can do.”
Packers Versus Cancer is aimed at educating fans about the importance of screening and early detection. It also works to raise money through things like specialty merchandise sales to fund the fight against the disease.
Bellin Health Cancer Navigator, Alli Mullen, said having the team behind the effort helps spread information that may save a life.
“The backing of the Green Bay Packers and the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation really helps us get the word out. It’s exposure to the screenings that are out there,” she said.
If cancer is found, Mullen said patients will have a support system behind them.
“Screening is important, but if a cancer diagnosis happens to you, we have a team behind you to help and you’re not alone.”
Nixon said his mom is doing well.
“She’s doing good,” he said. “She’ll be here sometime this season.”