Three Lutheran General Patients Join Advocate Health Care and Chicago Bears to Raise Breast Cancer Awareness

Deerfield's Beth Levy joined dozens of breast cancer survivors, fighters and family members from across Illinois at Soldier Field on October 21 as part of Advocate Health Care and the Chicago Bears' efforts to raise awareness for a disease that one in eight women develops during her lifetime.

Donning pink superhero capes, the group participated in Sunday's "Crucial Catch" game to intercept cancer, encouraging fans in the stadium and at home to be vigilant about their breast health.

In addition to the day's planned breast cancer activities, Levy participated in the Chicago Bears Bear Down flag ceremony at the game against the New England Patriots. Levy was diagnosed in June of this year. A 38-year-old busy working mother of two, it was not until she was changing jobs with a two-week break between roles that she finally had time to schedule a mammogram. Levy says she feels really lucky that she got her mammogram when she did and has even started a charity to help women who can't afford ancillary services when they are diagnosed with cancer.

"Breast cancer is something that affects women of all ages, even women under 40," said Levy. "I am dedicated to raising awareness for women and the message is simple - go get your mammograms. I didn't think cancer could happen to me, but it did. Sunday's 'Crucial Catch' game was fun to participate in and also so important to help promote healthy breast habits for all women."

"We are all dedicated to the same goal -- to cure this disease and raise awareness for women about the importance of breast health," said Dr. Nila Alsheik, Co-Medical Director of the Caldwell Breast Center at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Ill. "Getting a diagnosis of breast cancer can be devastating, but thanks to improved methods in detection, like contrast enhanced digital mammography offered only at Advocate Health Care, and innovations in care, more women are surviving, and feel supported, after their breast cancer treatment."

"Participating in Sunday's event and seeing how many people support the dozens of fighters and survivors who joined in this important initiative is inspiring," said Dr. Heidi Memmel, breast surgeon and Co-Medical Director of the Caldwell Breast Center. "Every two minutes, a woman in the U.S. is diagnosed with breast cancer. Just being here, raising awareness on such a public platform, will hopefully prompt others to do self-exams, get their annual screenings and be more aware of their breast health."

Fans throughout the stadium at Sunday's game wore "Real Bears Fans Wear Pink" t-shirts, which are on sale at chicagobears.com/pink and benefit local organizations that provide critically needed care and support to breast cancer patients, survivors and family members.

"One of the most significant ways we put our sports partnerships to work is by raising the volume around the importance of prevention and early detection," said Kelly Jo Golson, chief marketing officer of Advocate Aurora Health, of which Advocate Health Care is a part. "Working with the Bears to shine a spotlight on this important message drives more people to get their annual screening mammograms and talk to their loved ones about breast health. That's why we do this: to help people live well."