Bills running back Fred Jackson, wide receiver Josh Reed and defensive end Ryan Denney were on hand at the Bills Store Monday night to support the Billieve – Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign. A steady flow of fans were able to meet the players, obtain autographs, and take pictures with the guys all for a great cause...to help fight breast cancer.
For Ryan Denney, the cause is close to his heart. His mother, Sheri, is a breast cancer survivor. At the last two games, he and his teammates have recently worn pink cleats, wristbands and helmet decals in honor of those that are fighting the disease.
Denney said, "She thought it was awesome. She really wanted a photo of me in the pink shoes so she could keep it. I did it in honor of her. Maybe it challenges your manhood a little to wear pink on the football field. But really for me, since my mother's situation, it was an easy choice to make."
"Just to know that we can affect people like that just by wearing a color, that's something," said Jackson. "It's just to let them know that they have our support. It's a huge thing and I'm glad to be part of it."
In addition to the meet and greet with the players, fans in attendance were automatically entered into a random drawing for an authentic Buffalo Bills helmet autographed by Hall of Fame quarterback, Jim Kelly. The winner of the helmet was an excited Robert LoVallo, 24, Hamburg, NY.
Fans were encouraged to purchase at least one Billieve merchandise item from the Bills Store to be autographed by the players. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Billieve pink logo merchandise including mini-helmets, t-shirts, caps, knit hats, key chains and decals will go to the WNY Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Cancer Society.
The Buffalo Bills, Kaleida Health, the WNY Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Delaware North Companies teamed up to coordinate the event in support of breast cancer awareness month.
Kaleida Health is proud to be part of the Billieve Team promoting early detection and breast cancer awareness. As the largest health care network in WNY, Kaleida is committed to advancing the health of the community through education, research and quality services.
"The Billieve campaign is a tremendous avenue to spread the message that all women ages 40 and over should be screened for breast cancer with mammography every year," said Margaret Paroski, MD, Kaleida Health executive vice president and chief medical officer. "Every Buffalo Bills fan has a mother, daughter, sister or friend that could be at risk."
The WNY Komen Affiliate promotes and aids in the work of the Cancer Services Program of New York State. These county partnerships provide breast health screening and cancer treatment services for uninsured or underinsured women who qualify. For more information on this life-saving breast cancer service program, please call the American Cancer Society at 1-866-442-2262.
"Partnering with the Buffalo Bills gives us a tremendous opportunity to share the important message of early detection to such a large audience of Bills fans," stated Jackie Mordaunt, WNY Komen Affiliate executive director. "One out of eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Early detection saves lives and is the single most important course of action in the fight against breast cancer."
For more information, please visit the community section of buffalobills.com.
