Ascension Saint Thomas, Tennessee Titans Honor Cancer Survivors at Crucial Catch Game

Ascension Saint Thomas, Tennessee Oncology and the Tennessee Titans honored cancer survivors during the NFL's Crucial Catch game on Sunday, Oct. 19, at Nissan Stadium.

Now in its 16th year, the collaboration between the Titans and Ascension Saint Thomas continues to support the fight against cancer through awareness, early detection and risk reduction.

Five cancer survivors - Lisa Crowell, Melissa Harrell, Whitney Holland, Erica Parker and Albert Schmid - were recognized on the field during Sunday's game. Each survivor has a unique journey, but all share a powerful bond through their experiences with cancer.

The Crucial Catch game offers a meaningful opportunity to celebrate these individuals alongside their physicians from Ascension Saint Thomas and Tennessee Oncology, which treats nearly half of the cancer patients in the Volunteer state. The survivors were cared for by providers from practices across Middle Tennessee, including Dr. Eduardo Dias, Dr. Ward Houck, Dr. John Lazar, Dr. Jessica Limberg, Kyle Roberts, PA, and Dr. Mark Sitting.

Also present at the game was Ascension Saint Thomas' Mobile Mammography Unit, which helps expand access to breast cancer screenings across Middle Tennessee, particularly in rural communities where healthcare services may be limited. With breast cancer rates rising, especially among younger women, the unit offers a low-barrier path to care: no insurance required, walk-ins welcome and exams completed in just 15 minutes.

"Partnering with the Tennessee Titans through Crucial Catch allows us to highlight the strength of those who face cancer with courage and determination," said Fahad Tahir, president and CEO of Ascension Saint Thomas. "We are honored to recognize these survivors and the dedicated teams who care for them. Through our collaboration with Tennessee Oncology at hospitals and care sites throughout the community, we are expanding access to comprehensive cancer care across the region. Together, we are building a future rooted in hope, early detection and healing."

"The Titans' hope in celebrating Crucial Catch is to raise awareness for early cancer detection, reduce risk, and celebrate those who have battled with cancer," said Adam Nuse, senior vice president and chief revenue officer for the Tennessee Titans. "Through our partnership with Ascension Saint Thomas and their Mobile Mammography unit, we were able to reduce barriers for cancer screening by bringing it directly to fans before kickoff at Nissan Stadium."

"We are honored to partner with Ascension Saint Thomas and the Tennessee Titans to salute

the strength and resiliency of all those who face and navigate a cancer diagnosis," said Natalie Dickson, MD, CEO and president of Tennessee Oncology. "Caring for cancer patients is a privilege, and we're proud to honor patients and their caregivers."

Since its launch in 2009, the NFL and American Cancer Society's Crucial Catch initiative has raised more than $35 million and reached over 1.9 million people through programs that promote early detection and improve access to cancer screenings. Ascension Saint Thomas is proud to join this effort to ensure more Tennesseans can detect cancer early and receive lifesaving care close to home.