Kettering Health Teams Up With Cincinnati Bengals

Story by Christina Keresoma

Hearing the word “cancer” brings anyone’s world to a stop. Life seems to freeze around as you try to comprehend everything that’s about to change.

The cancer journey affects the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. And it requires a community to navigate. That’s why at Kettering Health we stand behind our faith-based approach to bring to every cancer patient care that not only heals but also offers hope. Our dedicated cancer specialists treat patients with innovative treatments and a holistic approach, coming alongside patients and their families for every step of the journey. We’re no stranger to what it takes to help others fight cancer—and neither are our friends in the NFL.

In 2009, the NFL and the American Cancer Society began a campaign to bring awareness to cancer prevention and the screenings available to spot cancer in its earliest stages: the “Crucial Catch: Intercept Cancer” campaign. The campaign has raised more than $23 million for the American Cancer Society.

The Cincinnati Bengals, of which Kettering Health is the official health care partner, promote the Crucial Catch campaign in several ways. On Thursday, September 29, the Cincinnati Bengals brought team alumni and others to the Kettering Health Cancer Center, located on the campus of Kettering Health Main Campus. There, Bengals legends joined forces with Kettering Health staff to create care packages, sign banners of encouragement, film inspirational video messages, and meet some of the patients.

“As a healthcare organization, Kettering Health is dedicated to supporting the needs of our community, ultimately helping people be their best,” said Fred Manchur, then CEO of Kettering Health. “The Bengals are equally committed to their people, their fans, and local residents. This partnership builds on that common purpose and the strengths of both organizations. We are excited to work together to build a healthier community.”

The event at the Cancer Center preceded the Bengals’ “Ring of Honor” at the Paycor Stadium, where Bengals alumni Willie Anderson and Isaac Curtis were inducted into the Bengals Ring of Honor during the game.