How One NFL Player is Helping to Fight Breast Cancer and Save Lives
From the cheerleaders' skirts to the players' gloves and even the referees' attire, the entire NFL organization is supporting Breast Cancer Awareness this month by going pink.
However, wearing pink for one month only just doesn't cut it for Pittsburgh Steelers running back DeAngelo Williams. Instead, Williams wants to be able to bring attention to breast cancer awareness all season long, even requesting permission for players to always be allowed to wear pink socks, gloves, bandanas, and armbands while on the field. Although his request was turned down due to the league's uniform policy, Williams still found a way to show support by dyeing his long hair multiple shades of pink and even painting his toenails the same color. He plans on further fighting the NFL's decision after October is over with. But that's not all that the compassionate running back is doing to help the cause.
Having lost four aunts to breast cancer and tragically this past May, his mom too, Williams has devoted himself to raising awareness, while also potentially saving the lives of many others. Realizing the importance of getting tested, and the impact that breast cancer can have on families, Williams announced that he will be covering the costs of mammograms for 53 women – representing each year of his mother's life before she passed away. He will also be one of several NFL players attending the league's annual pink event, where he will be encouraging women to get their yearly screenings and collecting donations for the American Cancer Society.
DeAngelo Williams makes it a point to cheer for all of the women out there that are fighting breast cancer, and his efforts would surely be making his late family members who suffered from the disease very proud. Way to go, DeAngelo!