C.J. Ham Honors Cancer Survivors & Fighters in Late Mother’s Memory

C.J. Ham Honors Cancer Survivors & Fighters in Late Mother’s Memory.  EAGAN, Minn. — Tracy Jones Anderson has personally witnessed the profound effects of cancer on families. Over the years, she has also observed significant progress in early detection and treatment through organizations like the American Cancer Society and initiatives such as the NFL’s Crucial Catch program.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On October 21, Anderson was among 16 women invited to the fourth annual Pamper Her Purple event, hosted by Vikings fullback C.J. Ham and his wife, Stephanie. The event, in collaboration with the Vikings, the American Cancer Society, and Sleep Number, took place at the Omni Viking Lakes Hotel and provided a day of spa services and relaxation for many cancer survivors and fighters. This event honors C.J.‘s late mother, Tina, who passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2021.

 

 

 

 

 

Anderson, a thyroid cancer survivor who became cancer-free in 2022, has also experienced the loss of both parents—her mother to lung cancer in the late ’90s and her father to prostate cancer a few years later. Having been just 30 when her mother was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer, Anderson can relate to the grief C.J. felt during Tina’s diagnosis and battle. She recognizes how healing it can be for caregivers and loved ones to honor those they’ve lost by giving back to the cancer community.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“It’s very painful to lose that person,” Anderson said, noting that her mother was actively involved in the community and would have loved such events. “When you have time to reflect, you realize, ‘This is exactly what she would want me to do.'”

 

 

 

 

 

The women, along with their guests, were warmly welcomed by C.J. and Stephanie, Vikings Chief Operating Officer Andrew Miller, and Vikings Legend Anthony Bass, now serving as Vice President of Major Market/Regional Development at ACS.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“It’s a blessing to be in a room with such strong individuals who choose to fight every day,” Ham said. He shared his own experience with cancer, recalling his mother’s long battle and the invaluable family moments they shared during that time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Miller, who lost his father to lymphoma after a battle with prostate cancer, expressed his support for cancer awareness and research. He thanked the attendees for their courage and highlighted the significance of the Crucial Catch game.

 

 

 

 

 

Bass echoed similar sentiments, praising the women’s resilience and urging continued support for ACS. He noted that the event demonstrated the impact of their efforts in cancer research and advocacy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In addition to spa services, attendees received cozy blankets from Sleep Number, custom slippers, and Crucial Catch gear. Lindsey Schumer from Sleep Number emphasized the event’s importance in honoring the women and creating meaningful connections.

 

 

 

 

 

The emotional day was particularly poignant for Anderson, who reflected on how cancer has affected her family for decades. She shared how treatment options were limited when her mother was diagnosed and how her father’s slower decline offered a different kind of challenge.

 

 

 

 

 

Throughout the event, attendees bonded over shared experiences, creating a sense of community. C.J. expressed his heartfelt gratitude, emphasizing that the day was dedicated to them. He encouraged everyone to continue fighting against cancer and reminded them of their worth and strength.

 

 

 

 

 

“Just know that we will overcome this terrible disease called cancer,” he said, wrapping up the heartfelt event.