Jacksonville - Ahead of this Sunday’s Crucial Catch game, the Jaguars are preparing to defeat the Green Bay Packers, but also making strides toward defeating cancer.
The work started in August, when the wives and partners of Jaguars players and coaches hosted the inaugural Gridiron Gals flag football game in support of breast cancer awareness, kicking off a two-month fundraising campaign.
During halftime on Sunday, the fruits of those labors will be on display with a check presentation for $40,000, split evenly between two nonprofits dedicated to breast cancer resources and services:
- In the Pink, a nonprofit boutique and salon serving women, men and children with all types of cancer, presented by Kaitlyn Allen (wife of Jaguars OLB Josh Hines-Allen) and Jeannie Pederson (wife of Head Coach Doug Pederson)
- Pink Ribbon Jax, an all-volunteer nonprofit that funds free mammograms for uninsured and underinsured women and men, presented by Maura Shuey (breast cancer survivor and wife of Coach Bill Shuey), Brielle Nielsen (undergoing treatment for breast cancer and wife of Coach Ryan Nielsen).
Prior to the August Gridiron Gals game between Team Teal and Team Pink, Shuey and Nielsen shared their own cancer journeys and were inspiration for the fundraising efforts.
"By sharing my story, I hope to stress the importance of early detection and take action," said Shuey. "A self-exam led to an early diagnosis which saved my life. As a result, I am so thankful to say that I am now cancer free."
Roles reversed. Jaguars coaches and players' significant others played a women's flag football game to raise money for and build education around Breast Cancer Awareness. Team Teal and Team Pink both came to play but, Team Teal came out on top! Check out the best shots from game day. 💗💙
