In 2015, DeAngelo Williams chose to wear special eye black in support of Breast Cancer Awareness despite imminent penalties. Williams has been very vocal, calling for support. Williams feels a responsibility to advocate for those who must fight breast cancer.
“Breast cancer, whether I like it or not, is part of my family's story.” Williams wrote in a 2014 Sports Illustrated article. “That's why I am so passionate about raising awareness, because I have seen firsthand how it can impact others.”
DeAngelo Williams’ mother and four aunts all fought and died from Breast Cancer, and he’s been watching them suffer most of his life. In honor of his family members and those with breast cancer, he chose to wear the eye black and was than fined for this small first-time uniform infraction. He then continued his campaign dying the tips of his hair pink.
“When breast cancer took my mom, it met its biggest enemy,” Williams told the Metastatic Breast Cancer Alliance.
Williams has consistently advocated for breast cancer awareness. Worrying not of the penalties and fees, Williams has used his status as an NFL player to reach audiences. He believes women should get tested more and rather than waiting for October breast cancer should be thought of year round.
"It's not just about October for me; it's not just a month, it's a lifestyle. It's about getting women to recognize to get tested," Williams told Lisa Salters of ESPN in 2015.
Williams continues to push for a cure because he knows how it affects people first hand. He payed for 53 mammograms to honor his mom who had died from breast cancer. Williams has founded “The DeAngelo Williams Foundation” which is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support the eradication of breast cancer. Despite all his efforts, Williams is far from satisfied.
"I don't ever feel like I do enough," Williams told Molly Grantham from WBTV.
Authored by Gabriel Cuilan, Bruce Mayfield
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