Shella Beaman of Mount Clemens would love to see the Detroit Lions do battle against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. She and her husband Richard are huge fans and among those who can say they saw Barry Sanders breaking tackles and records on the field as a former Lions running back.
But she’s battling cancer.
So, the Detroit Lions teamed up with Henry Ford Health and Game on Cancer to bring the tailgate party to Shella and more than a dozen other cancer patients at Henry Ford Macomb who are unable to attend a game.
“This is awesome,” Beaman said, during Wednesday’s delivery of the tailgate kits made possible through the NFL’s 2025 Crucial Catch initiative. “This just uplifted me.”
Enjoying Wednesday’s event at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital in Clinton Township are Shella and Richard Beaman of Mount Clemens, posing for a photo with former Detroit Lions James Cribbs. GINA JOSEPH – THE MACOMB DAILY
Charles Christien Jr. concurred.
“As soon as he mentioned that this was going on I said, ‘We got to go,’” said Christien, who attended the event with his father, Charles Christien Sr. of Chesterfield Township, who is battling prostate cancer.
His father agreed not only because he and his son are Detroit Lions’ fans but because he saw Wednesday’s tailgate meet and greet party as something memorable that he and his son could do together.
“When you’re fighting cancer you never know what’s going to happen,” Christien Sr. said before heading over to chat with Jeff Chadwick, a former Detroit Lions (wide receiver) who was among several players attending the event.
Joining Chadwick’s conversation and also signing footballs given as part of the tailgate packages were James Cribbs (former wide receiver) and Maurice Harvey (defensive back).
“This is really something,” said Harvey, who attended the event with his son.
It’s the second time the Detroit Lions and Henry Ford Health teamed up to do the tailgate in a box delivery, a fun program that does wonders to lift the spirits of patients battling cancer, while also raising awareness for both initiatives.
Game on Cancer was started by Henry Ford Health as a means of supporting their patients beyond the clinic walls. Over the past few decade Game on Cancer has eased the financial strain on local cancer patients and their families, helping to pay for essentials like housing, food, utility bills, transportation to appointments and more, while also supporting care programs and fueling groundbreaking cancer research, according to Henry Ford Health.
Shella Beaman, far right, and Rebecca Nehra gather for a photo during Wednesday’s tailgate party at Henry Ford Macomb. GINA JOSEPH – THE MACOMB DAILY
In its 10 years of operation, Game on Cancer has achieved remarkable milestones that include mobilizing more than 1,500 donors and 100 dedicated volunteers; raising $8.7 million in funds; supporting more than 11,000 patients and their families throughout their treatment; and funding more than 1,000 rides, ensuring patients could attend every critical medical appointment.
Crucial Catch is a partnership between the National Football League and the American Cancer Society aimed at fighting cancer and saving lives by promoting early detection and addressing the unequal burden of cancer in under-resourced communities. Since creating the initiative in 2009, Crucial Catch has raised more than $30 million to support the American Cancer Society’s efforts to promote health equity and early cancer detection through community-based cancer prevention programs. The efforts have helped more than 1.8 million people who need it most.
Among those who appreciate the programs is Dr. Dawn Severson, medical director of oncology for Henry Ford Macomb, who greeted the group at Wednesday’s event that included the Detroit Lions mascot Roary, cheerleaders and members of the hospital’s oncology teams.
“The Detroit Lions Crucial Catch and ongoing support is incredibly important to us,” said Severson. “We know that we have a much greater chance of having a positive outcome with every cancer that we catch early.”
During the event every patient was given a tailgate package featuring thoughtful and unique items designed to simulate the excitement of a Lions’ game day including notes and autographed items.
Rebecca Nehra of Macomb Township, who is battling breast cancer for the second time, received a miniature football helmet autographed by Amik Robertson and two Detroit Lions toques to keep her warm this winter.
Gathering for a photo and chat during Wednesday’s tailgate party at Henry Ford Health are former Detroit Lions James Cribbs, left, Charles Christien Sr., Charles Christien Jr. and former Detroit Lions Maurice Harvey. GINA JOSEPH – THE MACOMB DAILY
“I don’t like wearing a wig so these will be nice,” said Nehra, who is battling cancer for the second time and determined to beat it again for the sake of her three daughters, Nicole, Claire and Natalie.
“They’re the reason I fight so hard. They need their mom,” added Nehra, before posing for photographs with some of the cheerleaders, legendary players and her oncology team who all showed up to support her.
“It boosted my morale and spirit to know they took time out of their busy schedule for me and the other patients,” Nehra said.
More information visit henryford.com/development/ways/game-on-cancer.