The Bengals’ Crucial Catch game, supporting cancer prevention and early detection, featured cancer survivors ringing a Victory Bell to celebrate overcoming their cancer diagnoses. Kettering Health honored DeAnn Gallatin, an oncology social worker, as the Hometown Hero for her 40 years of supporting cancer patients and their families. She also founded the Children’s Lives Include Moments of Bravery (CLIMB) program to help children cope with a parent’s cancer diagnosis, serving 54 children since 2019. The game focused on promoting the use of cancer screenings, with fans participating in activities to raise awareness of the importance of such screenings. By recognizing DeAnn, the event highlighted the role social workers play in patient care, connecting patients to resources and preventative screenings.

Why We Did It

The Crucial Catch game and DeAnn Gallatin’s recognition aimed to raise awareness about the importance of early cancer detection and prevention, as well as cancer’s far-reaching effects. DeAnn’s work, particularly with the CLIMB program, addresses the need for emotional support for children of parents battling cancer, helping them cope with complex emotions. Cancer not only affects patients but also their families, creating emotional and financial challenges for everyone involved. The event and DeAnn’s efforts also highlight social workers’ role in removing barriers to care.