Bears Honored Breast Cancer Patients at Soldier Field
Ten patients from Advocate Health Care joined pregame festivities during the annual Real Bears Fans Wear Pink game.
Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Football
Ten breast cancer patients were honored at Soldier Field as part of the Chicago Bears' annual Real Bears Fans Wear Pink game. The initiative coincided with the NFL's broader Crucial Catch campaign.
Why it matters
The event provides visibility for breast cancer patients during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It also highlights the NFL's ongoing efforts to promote early detection and awareness for various cancer types.
The Chicago Bears defeated the New York Jets with a final score of 23-12. Ten patients from Advocate Health Care participated in the ceremony to mark the occasion.
The players
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team that competes in the National Football League.
Advocate Health Care
Advocate Health Care is a major health system that provides medical services and patient support programs.
Patti Hasemann
Patti Hasemann is a breast cancer patient from Aurora who participated in the bell-ringing ceremony.
Kandee Koehler
Kandee Koehler is a breast cancer patient from Whiting, Indiana, who participated in the bell-ringing ceremony.
Dr. Nikolaos Dallas
Dr. Nikolaos Dallas is a physician who participated in the pregame coin toss at Soldier Field.
The details
Patients Patti Hasemann and Kandee Koehler performed a bell-ringing ceremony, while Dr. Nikolaos Dallas participated in the pregame coin toss. During halftime, the group of ten patients unfurled a giant pink ribbon on the field to support the team's awareness efforts.
Timeline
The Real Bears Fans Wear Pink game took place on Sunday.
This report was published on October 4, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This event integrates into the NFL's broader seasonal focus on community outreach and health advocacy during October. It extends the league-wide Crucial Catch campaign by pairing on-field athletic competition with dedicated survivor recognition programs.
The 23-12 victory improves the Bears' standing as they move further into the regular season schedule. Fans tracking the team's season narrative now see the club balancing its competitive pursuit of a playoff spot with its corporate responsibility initiatives.
The takeaway
Breast Cancer Awareness Month continues to serve as a high-profile platform for professional sports teams to amplify health messaging. Implementation of these ceremonies underscores the role of major athletic organizations in driving public participation in cancer screenings.
Further reading
For more on the latest team developments and community initiatives, visit Chicago Football.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS News.
