RENTON, Wash. –The Seattle Seahawks announced today a collaboration with Virginia Mason, the Seahawks Official Health Care Partner, CHI Franciscan Health and the local chapter of American Cancer Society (ACS) to promote early detection and risk reduction efforts through Crucial Catch: Intercept Cancer campaign. Representatives from the organizations participated in a ceremonial flag raising at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.

As part of the campaign, the Seahawks invite fans to visit www.Seahawks.com/CrucialCatch to find Virginia Mason and CHI Franciscan physicians and facilities where they can "intercept cancer" through early detection, and download a new ACS digital tool – THE DEFENDER – that provides personalized tips to reduce cancer risk. Once fans enter information about their height, weight, exercise regimen and more, the tool will analyze and provide personalized recommendations on what they can do to reduce their risk of getting cancer. The Defender was funded by the NFL, developed by ACS and can be found at TheDefender.cancer.org.

"Early detection and taking steps to reduce the risk of cancer are so important," said Gary S. Kaplan, MD, Virginia Mason Chairman and CEO. "This collaboration with CHI Franciscan Health, Seattle Seahawks and American Cancer Society is a tremendous way we can raise awareness and reach more people throughout the Puget Sound region and beyond."

After nearly a decade of supporting breast cancer awareness, the NFL and ACS have broadened the campaign to include early detection and risk reduction efforts for other cancers to increase the impact of the campaign.

"We are incredibly thankful to all survivors who are sharing their story and helping to spread awareness about the importance of early detection and getting screened to intercept cancer," said Ketul J. Patel, CHI Franciscan Health CEO. "Together with the Seahawks, Virginia Mason, and the American Cancer Society, we are proud to be able to further support our neighbors and families throughout the region in their journey toward health, wellness and cancer prevention."

CenturyLink Field arch lights will feature an array of colors representing select cancers every Wednesday and Thursday night through the end of October as a reminder to fans that there are multiple cancers that can be detected early and an encouragement for fans to schedule a screening.

Navy               Colon Cancer
Pink                Breast Cancer
Lavender         All Cancers
Teal                Cervical Cancer
Blue                Prostate Cancer
Gold               Childhood Cancer
White              Lung Cancer

During the last two weeks of October, the team's four retail locations will donate 12% of sales of all knit caps and scarves to American Cancer Society's Road to Recovery program, which provides transportation for people with cancer who do not have a ride or are unable to drive themselves. Fans will also be able to make a donation during checkout. The Pro Shop has a range of knit hats to choose from including the New Era Sideline Beanie in Blue, Grey or Action Green. The retail stores are located at CenturyLink Field, downtown Seattle, Renton Landing and Alderwood Mall.

The team launched an online charity auction that offers authentic game-worn Seahawks memorabilia with 100% of proceeds designated for Road to Recovery program. Visit Auctions.Seahawks.com and click the tab “Charity” to view the items. 

The team will host a Blue Friday rally at noon on October 27 in Occidental Square in downtown Seattle located at 117 S. Washington Street. Fans are invited to participate in a traditional "pep" rally and ceremonial flag raising featuring Sea Gals, Blue Thunder and Blitz   Fans attending the rally will be eligible to win tickets to the Seahawks vs. Texans game on October 29.

During the Seahawks Crucial Catch game on October 29, Virginia Mason and CHI Franciscan Health will distribute 40,000 Crucial Catch bracelets to encourage fans to schedule regular cancer screenings with their physician. The six most detectable cancers are breast, cervical, colon, lung, prostate and skin cancer. The Sea Gals will celebrate survivors during halftime with an on-field performance featuring more than 200 high school dancers and cancer survivors.

Visit Seahawks.com/CrucialCatch to learn more.

About the American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of 2 million volunteers saving lives in every community. As the largest voluntary health organization, the Society's efforts have contributed to a 23 percent decline in cancer death rates in the U.S. since 1991, and a 50 percent drop in smoking rates. For more information, to get help, or to join the fight, call (800) 227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

About Road To Recovery

The American Cancer Society's Road To Recovery program provides transportation for people with cancer who do not have a ride or are unable to drive themselves. The program allows volunteer drivers to donate their time and use of their vehicles to provide rides to treatment for those in need. In 2014, 1,190 rides were provided to King County patients through the American Cancer Society Road to Recovery program. Visit cancer.org for more information.

About CHI Franciscan Health

CHI Franciscan Health is a nonprofit health system based in Tacoma, Washington with $2.6 billion in net revenue and a team of nearly 12,000 doctors, nurses and staff that provide expert, compassionate medical care at eight acute care hospitals and approximately 200 primary and specialty care clinics in Pierce, King and Kitsap counties. This includes St. Anthony Hospital, Gig Harbor; St. Clare Hospital, Lakewood; St. Elizabeth Hospital, Enumclaw; St. Francis Hospital, Federal Way; St. Joseph Medical Center, Tacoma; Harrison Medical Center, Bremerton and Silverdale; Highline Medical Center, Burien; and Regional Hospital, Burien. Started in 1891 by the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, today CHI Franciscan Health is one of the largest health systems in Washington state. The system spans more than 1,100 acute care beds, a credentialed medical staff of more than 1,500 including more than 800 employed physicians providing specialties in cardiovascular care, cancer care, orthopedics and sports medicine, neurosciences and women's care. CHI Franciscan's mission focuses on creating healthier communities, including caring for the poor and underserved. In 2015, the organization provided $141 million in community benefit, including $10 million in charity care. CHI Franciscan Health online: CHIFranciscan.org

About Virginia Mason Health System

Virginia Mason, founded in 1920, is a nonprofit regional health care system based in Seattle that serves the Pacific Northwest. In the Puget Sound region, the system includes 336-bed Virginia Mason Hospital; a primary and specialty care group practice of more than 500 physicians; regional medical centers in Seattle, Bainbridge Island, Bellevue, Federal Way, Kirkland, Issaquah and Lynnwood; Bailey-Boushay House, the first skilled-nursing and outpatient chronic care management program in the U.S. designed and built specifically to meet the needs of people with HIV/AIDS; Benaroya Research Institute, which is internationally recognized for autoimmune disease research; and Virginia Mason Institute, which trains health care professionals and others from around the world in the Virginia Mason Production System, an innovative management methodology for continually improving quality, safety and efficiency. Virginia Mason online: VirginiaMason.org

Virginia Mason Health System also includes Yakima-based Memorial Family of Services and Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital, a 226-bed facility serving the Yakima Valley in Central Washington since 1950. Memorial Family of Services comprises primary care practices and specialty care services, including high quality cardiac care, a continuum of cancer care, hospice care, and advanced services for children with special health care needs. Memorial online: YakimaMemorial.org.