Patients at the Kettering Health Main Campus Cancer Center met Cincinnati Bengals players Dalton Risner and Bryan Cook on Tuesday, Sept. 22, during a visit that included autographs, conversations and care package deliveries.
Risner, a veteran offensive lineman, and Cook, a veteran defensive back, spent time with patients alongside Who Dey and the Ben-Gals. During the two-hour visit, the group listened to patients’ stories, shared favorite Bengals memories and distributed care packages containing blankets and beanies.
Patients and families also had the opportunity to take photos and connect with members of the Bengals organization during the visit, which ran from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Bengals, Who Dey and the Ben-Gals also visited the Main Campus Cancer Center last year, continuing a tradition of bringing encouragement and support to patients ahead of the NFL’s Crucial Catch campaign.
The partnership between Kettering Health and the Bengals includes support of the NFL’s Crucial Catch initiative, which promotes cancer awareness, early detection and prevention. Through the campaign, fans and players have opportunities throughout the season to honor cancer survivors, remember those lost and highlight the importance of screening and proactive care. Together, Kettering Health and the Bengals extend that commitment year-round through community outreach, education and expanded access to cancer services across the region.
This year’s Crucial Catch game is scheduled for Oct. 4 at Paycor Stadium, where the Bengals will host the Jacksonville Jaguars.
As part of the event, Kettering Health will distribute “I Celebrate” rally towels at stadium entrances and host an activation outside the stadium where fans can sign a Crucial Catch flag that will fly over the stadium throughout October. The game-day program also will include Kettering Health employee and cancer survivor Kendra Wilson performing the national anthem, a cancer patient delivering the game ball and a halftime bell-ringing ceremony recognizing seven cancer survivors.
