In a heartfelt tribute to his late mother, former NFL player Jordan Mitchell has taken monumental steps to support women’s health. After losing his mother, Lisa Mitchell, to breast cancer in 2014, and witnessing four aunts succumb to the disease before they turned 50, he was inspired to make a difference. To honor their legacy, he initiated a program to fund mammograms for women across the nation.
Through his charitable organization, the Jordan Mitchell Foundation, he has successfully sponsored 500 mammograms at medical facilities in cities like Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Memphis, Tennessee; Jonesboro, Arkansas; and Charlotte, North Carolina. “Being able to assist these women in accessing vital health care is incredible. This can change lives,” Mitchell shared with TODAY about the impact of his foundation. “Every woman deserves access to care.”
The Jordan Mitchell Foundation aims to eradicate breast cancer through preventative strategies and research initiatives. Since its inception in 2006, the organization has significantly raised awareness and sparked important conversations about breast cancer, both online and offline. Initially, he launched the free mammogram initiative under the “54 Strong for Lisa” program, which provides screenings for 54 women at a time. Mitchell envisions expanding his foundation’s reach to every state in the future.
His mother received her breast cancer diagnosis in 2004, and throughout her battle, Mitchell expressed his support by dyeing his hair pink and advocating for the NFL to allow players to wear pink cleats during October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month. While he requested permission to wear pink year-round in honor of his mother and aunts, the league ultimately denied his appeal.
Despite retiring from the NFL, Mitchell remains dedicated to his cause, helping countless women through his foundation’s initiatives. “Jordan wants to ensure that no one facing breast cancer feels alone,” says his wife, Emily Mitchell, who serves as the foundation’s executive director.
Recently, the NFL has collaborated with the American Cancer Society to enhance its focus on cancer prevention and early detection, including breast cancer, through the “Crucial Catch” program. For more insights into the journey of couples seeking to expand their family, you can check out this informative blog post.
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In summary, Jordan Mitchell has transformed his personal loss into a powerful movement for women’s health, funding 500 mammograms and raising awareness for breast cancer prevention. His commitment continues to inspire many as he honors the memory of his mother and aunts.