North Charlotte Today

The Carolina Panthers, in collaboration with Atrium Health Levine Cancer, are set to honor cancer patients and survivors during their upcoming game on Sunday. The event will feature individuals serving as honorary Crucial Catch coin toss captains, celebrating those who have battled cancer and remembering those who have succumbed to the disease.

Each captain's nameplate will display words such as Perseverance, Relentless, Together, Faith Walker, Fearless, and Love. These words symbolize the courage of cancer patients and acknowledge the support provided by families and medical teams.

The Panthers expressed gratitude towards Atrium Health for selecting the captains for Sunday's event:

Griffin Gacsy was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma at age 14. After three years of treatment, he is now thriving and preparing for college. "Relentless" embodies his journey.

Libby Kern faced a tumor behind her eye at 18 months old. Despite numerous surgeries and losing most of her vision, she remains vibrant and active in school activities. She represents "Fearless."

Lisa Georges discovered stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer in November 2023. Now in remission, she plans future vacations with her husband Tony after an intensive treatment journey. Her experience stands for "Love."

Marvin Stewart is a US Army Veteran diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer in May 2024. Post-surgery and chemotherapy complications led him to immunotherapy. He is currently in remission and personifies "Faith Walker."

Teri Mehall became a patient herself while working as a pediatric oncology nurse navigator when diagnosed with stage 3 Melanoma in November 2022. Her recovery allows her to continue aiding young patients at Atrium Health Levine Cancer under the banner "Together."

Wayne Patterson Jr.'s battle began with a seizure revealing a brain tumor affecting his speech area in early 2022. Following surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, he remains optimistic about life despite ongoing challenges. He embodies "Perseverance."

These stories highlight both individual resilience against cancer and collective support from loved ones and medical professionals.