A sea of pink surrounded Raymond James Stadium on Saturday, October 29 as thousands of participants ran the 4th Annual Treasure Chests 5K Run/Walk Corporate Challenge. Individuals, families, and entire corporations pounded the pavement to show support and raise awareness about the importance of research and early detection of breast cancer.
The annual TC5K has become a highly anticipated October tradition and including today's donation, the Buccaneers have distributed more than $140,000 over the past four years towards breast cancer awareness and patient services, benefitting the American Cancer Society, Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation, the Florida Hospital Foundation, and Moffitt Cancer Center.
Buccaneers wide receiver Louis Murphy Jr. helped kick off the race, serving as honorary starter. The opportunity to represent the Bucs at this year's TC5K was especially meaningful to Murphy, having lost his mother to breast cancer in 2008. He is passionate about supporting the fight against breast cancer and honors her legacy through his community outreach.
"I know my mom is here, smiling down today," said Murphy. "She would be trying to win the race. To see the women who are out here fighting it – everyone is encouraging each other – this is an awesome spectacle. Sometimes you don't realize how many people this disease affects, and to see our community out here spreading awareness, it's great to be a part of."
The Treasure Chests 5K is part of a series of breast cancer awareness efforts leading up to the Buccaneers A Crucial Catch Game on Sunday, October 30 versus the Raiders. Each TC5K race entry comes with a ticket to the game, and the first 500 registrants are invited onto the field to be part of the half-time experience!
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Hosted the 4th Annual TC5K on Saturday, October 29th.
Buccaneers WR Lousi Murphy Jr.
Buccaneers WR Louis Murphy Jr.
Buccaneers WR Louis Murphy Jr. and Buccaneers Legend Warren Sapp
Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, Co-President of the Glazer Family Foundation and Buccaneers WR Louis Murphy Jr.
Buccaneers WR Louis Murphy Jr.
Buccaneers WR Louis Murphy Jr.
Buccaneers Legend Warren Sapp
All of the Buccaneers efforts are part of the NFL-Wide A Crucial Catch *Initiative*, happening throughout the month of October. Since 2009, the NFL has partnered with the American Cancer Society to highlight the importance of regular breast cancer exams and education, as well as help fund free or low-cost screenings for residents in underserved communities.
Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, Co-President of the Glazer Family Foundation, spoke about the importance of this event not only to the Buccaneers organization but also the Tampa community. "Breast cancer is the most commonly-diagnosed cancer in women – almost 250,000 women this year alone will be diagnosed," said Glazer Kassewitz. "The Buccaneers and my family are dedicated to bringing attention to this cause, and you can see how important it is to the Tampa Bay community. This morning is yet another example of our fans' commitment to making a difference."
