Tanya Snyder and Zeta Tau Alpha honored breast cancer survivors and fighters at the annual Think Pink game Oct. 6 against the New England Patriots.
The special guests were greeted outside of the NRG gate by Mrs. Snyder and hundreds of members of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, who donned each attendee with a pink ribbon symbolizing the importance of early detection. Since its inception 21 years ago, the THINK-PINK campaign, led by Mrs. Snyder, has mobilized more than 28,000 volunteers, pinned more than 9 million pink ribbons and touched countless lives in its ultimate effort of raising breast cancer awareness throughout the league.
"To see the initiative grow from humble beginnings at FedExField to an annual nationwide movement across the entire professional sports industry has been remarkable," said Mrs. Snyder, a breast cancer survivor herself. "This movement embodies the sense of fellowship and sisterhood that exists in the breast cancer community and I am honored to be an advocate in it."
Local women currently battling breast cancer were treated to an afternoon of pampering as they took part in makeup consultations, wig fittings, jeans fittings, massages and tours of Redskins Park on Monday, October 8, 2019.
The event has become a staple for many of the women in attendance in their personal efforts to raise awareness. For Terrilyn Wade and Ricki Fairley -- both survivors of breast cancer -- it means much more.
"I think [with] an organization like the Redskins, you're bringing awareness to something that hits home to many of us -- men and women," Wade said. "I don't know another organization that stops what they're doing to focus on this for two days during the height of their season. That is amazing."
Mrs. Snyder, the wife of Redskins owner Dan Snyder, also welcomed the Redskins Charitable Foundation's All-Stars, 30 women currently battling breast cancer, along with WOW members and breast cancer survivors, in a special pink-themed tailgate party. The women then made their way into the stadium where they engaged in pregame cameos on the video board as honored invitees to the game while also lining the tunnel on opposite sides during the Redskins' introductions.
The day culminated a year of heart-warming emotions, connections and triumphs told by the women who battle breast cancer throughout our region. An initiative that began over two decades ago has now become the NFL's most popular campaign. Partnered with the leagues Crucial Catch initiative, 2019 marked the third season in its history that the league has provided screenings for all cancers, further allowing teams around the NFL to support each type of research.
"This is my favorite day of the year," Snyder told to Redskins.com. "You have to 'Think Pink' to make a difference, and we've made a difference in everybody's lives."
