Las Vegas, NV – In a touching display of community support, the Las Vegas Raiders partnered with Intermountain Health to celebrate four brave young patients currently battling, or who have overcome, cancer. The annual event, held on October 12th, underscored the power of hope and the importance of pediatric cancer awareness.
Honoring Courageous Children
Table of Contents
- 1. Honoring Courageous Children
- 2. Individual Journeys of Strength
- 3. A Day of Connection and Support
- 4. Investment in Future Care
- 5. Understanding Childhood Cancer statistics
- 6. frequently Asked questions About Childhood Cancer
- 7. What specific programs does Intermountain Health offer to support families navigating a child’s cancer diagnosis, beyond medical treatment?
- 8. Las Vegas Raiders and Intermountain Health Celebrate and Honour Young Cancer Warriors
- 9. A Partnership Built on Strength and Hope
- 10. Honoring Courage: Recent Events & Recognition
- 11. Intermountain Health’s Pediatric Oncology Programs: A Deeper Look
- 12. The Raiders’ Commitment: Beyond the Field
- 13. Benefits of the Raiders-Intermountain Health Partnership
- 14. supporting Intermountain Health’s Pediatric Oncology Programs: How you can definitely help
- 15. Keywords:
Colston Delk, 10, Jade Hamilton, 10, Luna Duran, 9, and Benji Sanchez, 11, were each recognized for their unbelievable strength and resilience. The children were publicly honored during pre-game festivities at the Las Vegas raiders and Tennessee game, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd.
Each childS journey is a testament to the enduring spirit of youth in the face of immense challenges. Their stories, as detailed below, reveal remarkable battles fought with courage and grace.
Individual Journeys of Strength
colston Delk received a diagnosis of neuroblastoma in april 2024 and endured an intensive treatment plan including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, surgeries, stem cell transplants, and radiation. He is now cancer-free, recently completing preventative chemotherapy, and is set to ring the ceremonial bell signifying the end of his treatment later this month.
jade Hamilton, A passionate dancer, Jade faced a lung mass diagnosis last winter, requiring extensive care at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital. She valiantly completed 31 rounds of radiation and 14 rounds of chemotherapy.
Luna Duran’s fight began at just nine months old with a hypothalamic optic pathway glioma. She underwent years of chemotherapy and brain surgery, and while she has experienced vision loss, her family emphasizes the unwavering strength of her spirit through music and art.
Benji Sanchez, known as “Super Benji,” has battled cancer three times since infancy, overcoming brain cancer, a thyroid mass, and, most recently, osteosarcoma. He is now focused on ringing the cancer-free bell in November after multiple surgeries and chemotherapy rounds.
A Day of Connection and Support
Beyond the public recognition, the children and their families enjoyed exclusive access to the Intermountain Health performance Center, the Raiders’ practice facility. Head Coach Pete Carroll and the team warmly welcomed them, sharing moments of laughter, autographs, and camaraderie.
Players engaged with the children in games and conversations,while Jade even had the chance to interact with the Raiderettes,sharing a dance and cheer. This interaction highlighted the power of sports and community in providing joy and support during challenging times.
“It’s been a long, hard, emotional road, and finding joy is sometimes hard. So, this experience has been really grate for the kids,” shared Crystal Waters, Jade’s mother.
Investment in Future Care
Lawrence Barnard, Intermountain Health president of the upcoming Nevada Children’s Health Hospital, emphasized the invaluable partnership with the Raiders, stating, “It’s a gift to have an organization that cares so deeply about the community.”
Intermountain Health is currently building a new children’s hospital, projected to open in 2030, which will offer thorough cancer care services. This underscores a long-term commitment to providing advanced treatment and support for young patients and their families.
| Patient | Age | Cancer Type | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colston Delk | 10 | Neuroblastoma | Cancer-Free |
| Jade Hamilton | 10 | Lung Mass | In Treatment |
| Luna Duran | 9 | Hypothalamic optic Pathway Glioma | Stable |
| Benji Sanchez | 11 | Osteosarcoma | In Treatment |
Understanding Childhood Cancer statistics
According to the American Childhood Cancer Organization, approximately 10,470 children in the United states are diagnosed with cancer each year. While survival rates have improved significantly over the past few decades,cancer remains a leading cause of death by disease among children. Learn more about childhood cancer statistics and research.
Did You Know? Early detection and advancements in treatment have dramatically increased the five-year survival rate for many types of childhood cancers.
frequently Asked questions About Childhood Cancer
- What is childhood cancer? Childhood cancer refers to cancers that develop in children, differing from adult cancers in their types, causes, and treatments.
- What are the common symptoms of childhood cancer? Symptoms vary widely but can include persistent fever, unexplained weight loss, and frequent infections.
- How is childhood cancer treated? Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy.
- What is the role of organizations like Intermountain Health? Organizations like Intermountain Health provide specialized care,research,and support services for children with cancer and their families.
- How can I support childhood cancer research? You can donate to organizations dedicated to childhood cancer research or participate in fundraising events.
What moments of community support inspire you most? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Las Vegas Raiders and Intermountain Health Celebrate and Honour Young Cancer Warriors
A Partnership Built on Strength and Hope
The Las Vegas Raiders and intermountain Health have forged a powerful partnership dedicated to supporting young individuals battling cancer. This collaboration goes beyond typical sponsorships, focusing on providing experiences and resources that uplift “Cancer Warriors” and their families. The initiative highlights the importance of pediatric cancer awareness and the incredible resilience of these young fighters. This article details the various ways the Raiders and Intermountain Health are making a difference in the lives of children facing cancer, focusing on recent events and ongoing programs.
Honoring Courage: Recent Events & Recognition
On October 20th,2025,the Las Vegas Raiders hosted a special recognition event at Allegiant Stadium,honoring several young cancer warriors and their families. These children, representing various stages of treatment and remission, were invited to participate in pre-game activities, meet raiders players, and be recognized on the field during halftime.
* Personalized Experiences: Each child received a personalized Raiders jersey and had the opportunity to interact directly with their favorite players.
* Family Support: The event extended invitations to the families, acknowledging the crucial role they play in the children’s journeys. Intermountain Health staff were also present to provide support and answer questions.
* Halftime Ceremony: A moving halftime ceremony featured the young warriors, sharing their stories and inspiring the crowd. This segment aimed to raise awareness about childhood cancer and the challenges these families face.
* fundraising Initiatives: Throughout the game,various fundraising initiatives were implemented to benefit intermountain Health’s pediatric oncology programs.
Intermountain Health’s Pediatric Oncology Programs: A Deeper Look
Intermountain Health is a leading healthcare provider in the Intermountain West, with a dedicated focus on pediatric oncology. Their complete programs offer a range of services designed to support children and families throughout the cancer journey.
* Specialized Treatment: Access to cutting-edge cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy, tailored to each child’s specific diagnosis.
* Child Life Services: Dedicated Child Life specialists work to minimize the stress and anxiety associated with treatment, providing age-appropriate education, play therapy, and emotional support.
* Family-Centered Care: Intermountain Health emphasizes a family-centered approach, involving parents and caregivers in all aspects of the child’s care plan.
* Psychosocial Support: Access to mental health professionals, support groups, and other resources to address the emotional and psychological challenges of cancer.
* Long-Term Follow-Up Care: Comprehensive follow-up care to monitor for late effects of treatment and ensure the child’s long-term health and well-being.
The Raiders’ Commitment: Beyond the Field
The Las Vegas Raiders’ involvement extends beyond one-time events. The organization has committed to a long-term partnership with Intermountain Health, providing ongoing support for pediatric cancer programs.
* financial Contributions: The Raiders organization and its players contribute financially to Intermountain Health’s pediatric oncology research and patient care initiatives.
* Volunteer Efforts: Raiders players and staff regularly volunteer their time at Intermountain Health facilities, visiting with patients and their families.
* Awareness Campaigns: The Raiders utilize their platform to raise awareness about childhood cancer through social media campaigns, public service announcements, and community events.
* Raiders Foundation Grants: The Raiders Foundation provides grants to organizations supporting pediatric cancer research and patient care.
Benefits of the Raiders-Intermountain Health Partnership
This collaboration yields meaningful benefits for the young cancer warriors and their families.
* Increased Awareness: The partnership elevates the visibility of childhood cancer,encouraging greater public support and funding for research.
* Enhanced Patient Care: Financial contributions and volunteer efforts directly improve the quality of care provided to young cancer patients at Intermountain Health.
* Emotional Support: The opportunity to meet Raiders players and participate in special events provides emotional uplift and a sense of hope for children and families.
* Community Building: The partnership fosters a sense of community among cancer warriors, their families, and the Raiders organization.
supporting Intermountain Health’s Pediatric Oncology Programs: How you can definitely help
There are numerous ways to support Intermountain Health’s pediatric oncology programs and the young cancer warriors they serve.
* Donate: Make a financial contribution to Intermountain Health Foundation, specifically designated for pediatric oncology.
* Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to volunteer at Intermountain Health facilities.
* Fundraise: Organize a fundraising event to benefit Intermountain Health’s pediatric oncology programs.
* Spread Awareness: Share information about childhood cancer and the Raiders-Intermountain Health partnership on social media.
* Attend Events: Participate in Raiders-sponsored events that benefit Intermountain Health’s pediatric oncology programs.
Keywords:
Las Vegas Raiders, Intermountain Health, pediatric cancer, childhood cancer, cancer warriors, Allegiant Stadium, pediatric oncology, cancer awareness, Raiders Foundation, Intermountain Health Foundation, cancer research, patient care, volunteer, donate, fundraising, child life services, family-centered care, psychosocial support, long-term follow-up care.
