NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ, June 1, 2026 – RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute, New Jersey's only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, are joining forces with former New York Giants and Jets to host a special listening session for male cancer survivors, patients, and caregivers at the Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center, New Jersey's first and only freestanding cancer hospital, celebrating it's one year anniversary this month.
The listening session is part of the NFL Alumni Association's (NFL Alumni) GEAR UP Against Cancer campaign, supported by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), which aims to increase public awareness of cancer prevention, risks, and the unique needs of cancer survivors.
"We're excited to provide this special opportunity for our clinicians, survivors, and the NFL Alumni to come together and have a meaningful discussion about dealing with cancer," said Dr. Andrew Evens, Deputy Director for Clinical Services and Chief Physician Officer, Rutgers Cancer Institute/Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center and System Director of Medical Oncology, RWJBarnabas Health. "Here at the Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center, we pride ourselves on providing world-class care, but equally important is making sure you have a community surrounding you to provide support throughout your cancer journey. This listening session offers just that."
The session will take place on Thursday, June 11. It will offer a supportive forum for male patients, survivors, caregivers, medical experts, and former NFL players to share their experiences, foster connection, and discuss both challenges faced and the types of resources and support needed through each stage of the cancer journey.
The event will feature former Giants Super Bowl champion offensive lineman Roman Oben, former Giants Super Bowl MVP and champion running back Ottis (OJ) Anderson, former Jets All-Pro, Pro Bowl fullback Tony Richardson, and former Rutgers University and Jets quarterback Ray Lucas. Each is an active member of NFL Alumni's community and committed to supporting individuals and families impacted by cancer.
"Unfortunately, cancer has touched my life, and all of our lives, in some way or another," said Oben, president of the NFL Alumni NY/NJ Chapter. "I'm honored to join this event to provide a safe space for men to share their stories and find comfort and solidarity with others who understand what they are going through."
Clinical leaders and care team members from RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute will also participate, offering their expertise and engaging with the attendees. Among them are Dr. Evens and Dr. David Golombos, Urologic Oncologist, Rutgers Cancer Institute.
Listening sessions play a critical role in advancing patient-centered care by giving men the opportunity to be heard, share experiences, and help shape what survivorship support and cancer care looks like. Together, these conversations help ensure that no patient or survivor feels alone in their journey.
The "GEAR UP Against Cancer" campaign launched last year with a focus on raising colorectal cancer screening awareness, particularly among men in Nashville and Atlanta. In its second year the campaign addressed lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer death, with a focus on the Dallas, Kansas City, New York/Northern New Jersey, and Pittsburgh markets. In addition to its main mission of raising awareness of cancer prevention, it also focuses on engaging survivors to better understand their unique needs. Former NFL players from each market serve as spokespersons for the effort, sharing cancer prevention, detection, and survivorship messages through social media, paid media, earned media, and community events.
Register for the listening session.
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ABOUT RWJBARNABAS HEALTH
RWJBarnabas Health is New Jersey's largest and most comprehensive academic health system, caring for more than five million people annually. Nationally renowned for quality and safety, the system includes 14 hospitals and 9,000 affiliated physicians integrated to provide care at more than 700 patient care locations.
RWJBarnabas Health partners with its communities to build and sustain a healthier New Jersey. It provides patient-centered care in a compassionate manner and is the state's largest safety-net provider and leader in addressing the social determinants of health. RWJBarnabas Health provides food to the hungry, housing for the homeless and economic opportunities to those most vulnerable.
RWJBarnabas Health's commitment to enhancing access to care includes a transformative partnership with Rutgers University, including the Rutgers Cancer Institute — the state's only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
RWJBarnabas Health is among New Jersey's largest private employers, with more than 45,000 employees, contributing more than $7 billion to the state economy every year. For more information, visit www.RWJBH.org.
ABOUT RUTGERS CANCER INSTITUTE
As New Jersey's only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Rutgers Cancer Institute, together with RWJBarnabas Health, provides patients access to the most advanced cancer treatment options including clinical trials close to home at our facilities throughout the state. Our groundbreaking cancer research is the engine that drives access to the most advanced cancer treatments, where our discoveries become your care.
ABOUT NFL ALUMNI
Founded in 1967 by a small group of successful retired NFL players, NFL Alumni is one of the oldest and most well-respected retired player organizations in professional sports. NFL Alumni's triple mission focuses on "caring for our own," "caring for kids," and "caring for the community." For more information on the "Gear Up Against Cancer" campaign, visit https://nflagearup.org/cancer.