Seahawks spotlight cancer survivors during Crucial Catch month at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health practice visit

As part of the NFL’s Crucial Catch initiative, the Seattle Seahawks hosted six patients from Virginia Mason Franciscan Health at a team practice to mark Crucial Catch month. The club framed the visit around six screenable cancers: breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, prostate and skin.

Seahawks officials said they used the day to highlight the patients’ individual journeys and the role that screening and follow-up care played in each case. Joan Nelson, for example, described being diagnosed with a very aggressive form of breast cancer earlier this year and later reaching a cancer-free status after chemotherapy and surgery, while also urging regular check-ups and mammograms.

John Klein’s story centered on routine prostate cancer screening. He said his cancer journey began with what he described as a simple blood test, and that the diagnosis came after he later experienced symptoms that led him to his primary care physician.

Dana Normandy’s account focused on colorectal cancer found through a colonoscopy after he chose to schedule the procedure following a Seahawks Crucial Catch game, even though he had no signs or symptoms. The team said his diagnosis led to treatment that included surgery and later continued care at St. Michael Medical Center.

The Seahawks also highlighted cervical cancer survivor Stacy Mazza, who said her diagnosis followed an abnormal pap smear result and subsequent scans. According to the team, her cancer required intensive treatment that began quickly after diagnosis.

Michael Coley’s lung cancer experience was described as starting with a cough that did not go away, followed by imaging that revealed lung cancer. The Seahawks said he was diagnosed at stage 2 and later underwent surgery and immunotherapy, with his condition moving into a maintenance phase.

Finally, Gregory Rivera’s skin cancer story was shared in the context of urgency and early detection. The team said Rivera sought emergency care after experiencing shortness of breath and spitting up blood, leading to a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma and treatment that included chemotherapy and lymph node removal.