On Sunday, October 9, Republic FC will host its annual Breast Health Awareness Match, presented by UC Davis Health. The two Indomitable partners will create special programming and matchday elements to increase awareness, the importance of preventative screenings, as well as celebrate survivors and thank local leaders and healthcare workers. Nationally, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
“Breast cancer is a disease that affects so many people, and has personally touched the lives of several people within our organization, through our fan base, and into our community,” said Republic FC Executive Vice President Ashley Horsley. “Our partners at UC Davis Health are making a tremendous impact in the detection and treatment of breast cancer, and we’re proud to elevate their work on Breast Health Awareness Day.”
“Each October, we celebrate Breast Health Awareness Month to help raise awareness and show support for those impacted by breast cancer,” said Brad Simmons, Chief Administrator of the UC Davis Medical Center and Chief Operating Officer of the UC Davis Health Hospital Division. “Regular screenings and early detection are so important, and Republic FC’s annual Breast Health Awareness Match serves as another reminder for our community to make health a priority.”
According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second-most common cancer in women in the United States and accounts for about 30% of all new female cancers each year. In 2022, nearly 300,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women, and about 43,000 will die from the disease. Nearly 3,000 men will receive a new diagnosis and nearly 20% will die from breast cancer. Early detection and prevention screenings can be an effective tool in successful treatment, increasing the five-year relative survival rate to as high as 99 percent. Throughout October, UC Davis Health is offering free mammogram screening services on Saturdays to uninsured women aged 40 and over. For more information, visit Health.UCDavis.Edu/News/Topic/Cancer or to book an appointment call 916-734-6145.
At Sunday’s Breast Health Awareness Match, Republic FC will highlight how crucial prevention screenings are through in-stadium public address announcements and posts on its social media channels. Throughout Heart Health Park, fans will see touches of pink – the color that symbolizes Breast Cancer Awareness. Pink nets and corner flags will decorate the field, and the first 1,000 fans to arrive will receive pink seat cushions provided by UC Davis Health. Sacramento Metro Fire will join in the night’s festivities and showcase its pink fire truck, dedicated to helping create community awareness.
During halftime, the club will host a very special moment for a breast cancer patient. Surrounded by thousands of fans and supporters at Heart Health Park, Gena Bravo will get her opportunity to “ring the bell,” signaling the completion of 18 months of chemotherapy. Gena, a mother of six, was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer on April 2021. Throughout her treatment, she has worked with Albie Aware, a local non-profit that provides life-saving breast cancer testing, prevention education, advocacy, and compassionate support. Along with Albie Aware, Gena has become an advocate for preventative screenings and regular health exams.
Ahead of the match, Republic FC has released a limited-edition hat that includes a special message. The hat features a pink ribbon – the international symbol for breast cancer awareness – and the word “Indomitable,” a nod to one of the club’s core values and the resilient spirit displayed by breast cancer patients and survivors and their families. Twenty-five percent of hat proceeds will go to Albie Aware to support its programs and services. The Breast Health Awareness Hat is available for pre-order now at Shop.SacRepublicFC.com and will also be available for pickup at Sunday’s match. The club will also donate hats to breast cancer survivors within the UC Davis Health Network.
The match will mark Sacramento’s penultimate contest of the regular season before the club makes its 8th appearance in the USL Championship Playoffs. Eastern Conference foe Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC will make the cross-country trip for just the second-ever meeting between the two clubs. Kickoff from Heart Health Park is set for 2:00 p.m., and the match will be broadcast live in English and Spanish on Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com and the FOX40 News mobile app, and streaming on ESPN+. Tickets are still available at SacRepublicFC.com/Tickets.
