The Eagles are celebrating the NFL's Crucial Catch initiative at Sunday's game against the Broncos.
Amongst those with connections to cancer are three Eagles cheerleaders — Chelsea, Jenny, and Makenna. The trio all work in cancer research, and Sunday's game will be a unique opportunity to marry their passion for dance to the influential work they do off the field.
Jenny's journey began studying Biomedical Art at Rowan University, and after spending a year shadowing a breast reconstructive surgeon, she was inspired to use her art ability to explain complex medical concepts. Now, she serves as a Medical Illustrator, developing detailed illustrations that help visualize cancer treatments.
"These visuals serve as critical tools for patient education and scientific communication," Jenny said. "Working at the intersection of science and art has been both professionally fulfilling and personally meaningful. I am proud to contribute to a field that is making significant advancements in cancer research and treatment."
Chelsea has been working in clinical research for five years and is responsible for multiple aspects of global trials that evaluate new cancer medicines and treatment strategies. Part of her job is making sure the data provided is accurate so the science community can make informed decisions.
"This work matters deeply to me because it is the bridge between scientific discovery and patient benefit as I help determine whether promising therapies are safe and effective, enabling those therapies to advance toward regulatory approval and clinical use," Chelsea said. "My commitment to cancer patients drives everything I do.
"Managing trials on a global scale gives me the opportunity to accelerate access and promote equity in cancer care. By coordinating studies across diverse regions, I help enroll varied patient populations and shorten recruitment timelines, which can reduce development time and increase the likelihood that new treatments will be effective for people from different backgrounds."
Makenna spent two and a half years at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia where she studied pediatric cancer. She researched brain and nervous system cancers and made significant discoveries, leading to a publication. Makenna recently went back to school, pursuing a Ph.D. in Genetics, Genomics, and Cancer Biology.
Now, she has the opportunity to support a community that has a special place in her heart at Sunday's game.
"It has been a pleasure to balance my passion for cancer research alongside being an Eagles Cheerleader, as we have many opportunities throughout the year to support patients undergoing oncology treatment and raise awareness for causes that are close to our hearts," Makenna said. "My mom is a colon cancer survivor, and my creative performance during auditions is always dedicated to her." — Written by Matt Ryan
