Awareness • Early Detection • Treatment • Research • Survivorship

Survivor at Every College Stadium: NIU Huskies

Dekalb, IL. University of Chicago Cancer Center lung cancer survivor-advocate Kristal Russo and her husband Charlie represented Team Draft at Huskie Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The Russos watched the Northern Illinois Huskies defeat the Eastern Illinois Panthers.

I am humbled by the opportunity to share my experience in the fight to battle cancer.  Especially when I am surrounded by others like me, who understand the physical and emotional demands that it takes on one’s self. 
I have always lived my life and I feel I am where I need to be each day.  I am blessed to have a wonderful husband, beautiful children and friends who support, comfort and fill my days with such joy and passion. 
Crossing the one year mark is difficult to describe.  I wanted to celebrate, however I chose to reflect on my present instead of focus on the past or future.  My family celebrated for me in the most appropriate way by being with me and I loved it. ~ Kristal Russo

In 2012, we, Team Draft, launched our inaugural Survivor Series initiative on CNN during a nationally-televised prime time special focusing on lung cancer and our National Campaign to Change the Face of Lung Cancer.

Our Survivor at Every Stadium, leverages our connections with the NFL, its teams and players with our relationships with many of the top cancer centers in the country. As a part of our International Campaign, the games allow us to celebrate our survivors, raise awareness, and give hope to those battling the disease, as well as shine a light on the important work being done at cancer research and treatment centers around the country.

Team Draft’s goals are to create a unique experience for participating survivors and to raise awareness on a local, national, and international level by using each game and each survivor’s story to weave a broader narrative about the state of cancer and the hope that now exists for those battling the disease.

Special thanks to Northern Illinois University and all of our Team Draft supporters for helping make this event possible.

Donate now to Support the International Campaign to Change the Face of Lung Cancer!