Detroit Lions’ Tyler Lacy visits ACCESS health center to support breast cancer patients

Detroit Lions defensive tackle Tyler Lacy has visited the ACCESS Community Health and Research Center as part of the American Cancer Society and NFL’s Crucial Catch initiative.

Lacy joined local high school football players and health care workers on Tuesday to build care packages for breast cancer patients and raise awareness about the importance of screening and early detection.

Lacy shared his childhood experiences watching his mother Veronica cope with breast cancer after her diagnosis 20 years ago. 

“I started realizing how serious it was once I started seeing my mom lose her hair, lose her eyebrows, the stress level she was going through … taking me to and from practice, going to work, cooking meals,” said Lacy, 26. 

“It really just inspired me. I’m thankful for Crucial Catch and ACCESS, and to the NFL for letting me represent my mom on the field.”

Lacy wears custom cleats made in honor of his mother, who battled her way back to health while caring for her family and nurturing his football career.

“Thanks to an American Cancer Society CHANGE Grant funded by the NFL’s Crucial Catch initiative, ACCESS has expanded its community-based cancer prevention, outreach, education and patient navigation efforts – helping make screening more accessible, reaching community members where they are and connecting more people with lifesaving screenings and follow-up care,” ACCESS said in a statement. 

Mona Makki, Director of the ACCESS Community Health and Research Center said the group has worked for decades to remove barriers that prevent people and families from getting the support they need.

“And when it comes to cancer, we know that access to early detection and screening can quite literally save lives,” Makki said. 

“That is why we are so grateful for our partnership with the American Cancer Society and the support of the NFL’s Crucial Catch initiative.”

Last year, ACCESS’ Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program reached more than 1,500 women and helped drive a 30 percent increase in screening rates, according to Makki.

“ACCESS works to overcome barriers including language, transportation, cost, lack of awareness and navigating an increasingly complex health care system,” the group said.

“ACCESS doctors and health care navigators guided her to oncologists and a safe space to ask questions and carve a path to health.”

Lacy toured the ACCESS facility and praised the organization’s work to improve cancer prevention and early detection in Southeast Michigan.

“I love the mobile access they have – the clinic on wheels, and the family atmosphere really made me feel like this is the place,” Lacy said. “It just doesn’t affect the person with cancer, it affects the whole village and the family that you’re with.”

For more information or to schedule a cancer screening, please call 313-216-2230.