Lions Honor Cancer Survivors at Bell-Ringing Ceremony
The Detroit Lions recognized two local cancer survivors during their game against the Green Bay Packers.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Cancer
During the NFL Crucial Catch game on October 25, 2026, the Detroit Lions held a special bell-ringing ceremony to honor Jamie Edmonds and Brooke Wessman. The event served as a highlight of the team's ongoing cancer awareness outreach.
Why it matters
The ceremony supports the NFL Crucial Catch initiative, which partners with the American Cancer Society to provide essential tools for understanding early detection and cancer risk reduction.
Jamie Edmonds is a stage 3 breast cancer survivor, while Brooke Wessman is currently battling stage 3B colon cancer. The recognition occurred as part of a broader health awareness effort.
The players
Jamie Edmonds
She is a stage 3 breast cancer survivor honored during the Detroit Lions bell-ringing ceremony.
Brooke Wessman
She is a patient currently battling stage 3B colon cancer who was recognized at the game.
Detroit Lions
The professional NFL team hosted the awareness events in partnership with Henry Ford Health.
Henry Ford Health
This health system partnered with the Lions on cancer awareness programming throughout October.
American Cancer Society
This national organization partners with the NFL for the annual Crucial Catch initiative.
The details
The Lions partnered with Henry Ford Health throughout October to host various cancer awareness events, including a Patient Tailgate-in-a-Box surprise for patients. These efforts highlight community-focused engagement strategies during the team's professional football season.
Timeline
October 2026 marked the period of partnership between the Lions and Henry Ford Health.
October 25, 2026, was the date of the bell-ringing ceremony at the game against the Packers.
Health Landscape
The event aligns with the NFL Crucial Catch initiative, which utilizes the league's massive platform to promote clinical screenings and early detection protocols. This highlights a shift toward using major professional sports as a vehicle for large-scale public health education.
The initiative encourages residents to seek out information regarding cancer risk reduction and early screening options available through local healthcare providers. Access to these resources can lead to earlier diagnosis and improved health outcomes for the local community.
The takeaway
Recognizing survivors during high-profile events helps destigmatize cancer diagnoses and encourages open conversations about personal health. Residents are encouraged to consult their doctors about appropriate age-based screening schedules for breast and colon cancer.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments and resources in Detroit Cancer.
