BALTIMORE – November 06, 2026 -- Cancer patients whose treatment keeps them from attending a Baltimore Ravens game got a tailgate of their own at the second annual Ravens Crucial Catch Tailgate Experience, held inside a MedStar Health hospital for patients, their families and their care teams.
A marching band leads the hospital's largest event of the year
The Ravens Marching Band, new to the event this year, played through the parking lots and hospital lobby to draw people in. The gathering has become the largest hospital event of the year for the Ravens and MedStar Health. Ravens alumni Qadry Ismail (Super Bowl XXXV) and Jameel McClain (Super Bowl XLVII) posed for photos with fans. Poe and members of the cheer squad also joined in.
Game-day food, games and custom trading cards fill the afternoon
The culinary team at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center provided traditional game-day fare. Guests played tailgate games, made "I Fight For" signs and created their own custom trading cards.
Survivors say the day brings them back into the fold
Breast cancer survivor Nicole McFadden was diagnosed after finding a lump at age 34. She said keeping stress down and laughing with family helps patients feel better. "I am a crucial catch," she said, noting that she detected her own cancer.
Stomach cancer survivor Tamara Parker said treatment can feel isolating. The event, she said, brings patients out, celebrates them and makes them feel part of life again.
Masha Mohebtash, MD, medical director of MedStar Health Community Oncology, stressed that early detection is critical. She said events like this give patients a chance to set aside treatment, relax and enjoy themselves.
Crucial Catch has promoted early detection since 2009
The NFL's Crucial Catch campaign began in 2009 to remind fans about the importance of early cancer detection. MedStar Health, the Ravens' medical team since 2004, partnered with the team again for Crucial Catch in 2026.