In a heartfelt tribute to his late mother, former NFL player Marcus Thompson has made a significant impact by funding 500 mammograms for women across the United States. Thompson, who played for the New York Giants, lost his mother, Linda Parker, to breast cancer in 2014. He also experienced the loss of several aunts to the same disease, all before they turned 50. Determined to honor his family’s battle against cancer, he established a nonprofit organization, the Marcus Thompson Foundation, to provide support and resources for women in need of mammograms.
Since 2014, Thompson has sponsored these essential screenings through his foundation, covering hospitals in cities like New York, Atlanta, and Dallas. “It’s incredible to help so many women. This can truly change lives,” Thompson expressed in a recent interview. “We’re making sure that everyone has access to this vital care, which should never be out of reach.”
As stated on the foundation’s website, the Marcus Thompson Foundation is dedicated to initiatives aimed at eliminating breast cancer through prevention and research. Since its inception in 2006, the organization has raised considerable awareness and facilitated meaningful conversations about breast cancer in various communities.
52 Strong for Linda Program
Thompson began this initiative with the “52 Strong for Linda” program, where his foundation funds mammograms for 52 women at each event. He envisions expanding this program to eventually host free mammogram screenings in every state. Despite the challenges faced during his mother’s illness, including her diagnosis in 2004, Thompson showed unwavering support by wearing pink and advocating for more awareness in the NFL.
While he requested to wear pink throughout the entire season as a tribute, the league did not grant his wish. Nevertheless, Thompson has persisted with his mission even after retiring from professional football, helping hundreds of women through his foundation’s efforts. His wife, Naomi Thompson, who serves as the executive director of the foundation, emphasized that “Marcus wants to ensure that no one faces breast cancer alone.”
NFL and American Cancer Society Collaboration
Recently, the NFL has joined forces with the American Cancer Society to enhance its focus on prevention and early detection of various cancers, including breast cancer, through the “Crucial Catch” program.
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In summary, Marcus Thompson’s dedication to funding mammograms not only honors his mother’s memory but also helps countless women access critical healthcare services. His foundation continues to raise awareness and support for breast cancer initiatives, making a profound difference in the fight against this disease.