CHARLOTTE - On Sunday, the Carolina Panthers and Atrium Health Levine Cancer will honor cancer patients and survivors who are serving as the game's honorary Crucial Catch captains. Together, they will honor those who have lost their battle to cancer, those who are in the fight, as well as celebrate those who are survivors of the disease.
The Carolina Panthers would like to thank Atrium Health for selecting Sunday's captains:
Carson Kale - Warrior
Carson is 21 years old and has overcome so much adversity since the age of 8 when he was diagnosed with astrocytoma, an aggressive type of brain tumor. Carson underwent brain surgery to remove the tumor, followed by multiple MRI's and continuous testing. He endured countless hours of rehab to regain control of his life. Earlier this year, Carson was hospitalized after an E. coli infection that led to kidney failure and anemia While he recovered, doctors also found his cancer had returned. Carson is now under the care of Atrium Health Levine Cancer determining a course of treatment. Through it all, he continues to live his life for God and supporting others. Carson loves spending time with family and working as a diesel mechanic on heavy machinery for Caterpillar.
Chelsea Mathelier - Joyful
In 2023, Chelsea Mathelier was just beginning her freshman year at UNC Charlotte when she started experiencing sharp pains in her left arm. She visited the campus health center, and within days, she received a life-changing diagnosis: Stage 3A Hodgkin's Lymphoma. She was just 18 years old. Over the course of the next six months, Chelsea underwent 12 rounds of chemotherapy while she continued to take college classes. With unwavering determination, she worked closely with her instructors and leaned on the support of her friends and loved ones to stay on track academically. Her courage and positivity became a beacon for others, and today, she is proudly in remission. Chelsea now mentors other young adults navigating their own diagnoses, offering hope and guidance. Known for her radiant smile and powerful voice, Chelsea is living her well-deserved young adult life with purpose and joy.
David Beaver – Resilient
David Beaver has been a dedicated volunteer with the American Cancer Society for over 20 years serving in leadership roles for several Relay For Life campaigns.. In July 2023, after many years of raising money, the fight truly became personal to David when he heard the words no one wants to hear "you have cancer". When sharing the news of his prostate cancer diagnosis, David only asked that friends and family keep him in their thoughts and prayers. He underwent surgery in January 2024 at Atrium Health Levine Cancer followed by 38 rounds of radiation treatment. He will continue to get PSA testing every 3 months for the next several years. Today, David remains a steadfast advocate for survivorship and community care, reminding us all that healing is not just physical—it's also about being surrounded by people who care.
Jessica Price - Hope
Jessica Price is a devoted wife to her husband, Justin, and a loving mother of two precious children. In January of this year, Jessica was diagnosed with Stage 1B triple negative breast cancer after getting a mammogram. She has worked at Levine Cancer Institute in Monroe as a nurse for nearly five years and firmly believes that God placed her there for this journey and surrounded her with an incredible team who lifted her up daily and encouraged her through every step. Jessica is also deeply grateful for her family, friends and church, who have offered and continue to offer unwavering support and love. Her journey has been filled with many emotions, but above all, it has taught her courage in the face of uncertainty and hope that healing and recovery are possible. She has learned to embrace life's busyness as an "I get to" instead of "I have to". Jessica is also deeply grateful for her family, friends and church, who have offered and continue to offer unwavering support and love.
Kelly Champion - Champion
Diagnosed in 2014 with stage 3 multiple myeloma, Kelly Champion has spent more than a decade battling an incurable blood cancer. As a single mom to a young daughter, she was determined to fight. She's undergone more than 100 rounds of chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant. Despite how long and challenging her battle has been, Kelly is embracing the fight as her purpose. She's become a mentor to loved ones, colleagues and even strangers battling cancer and jokes she is now "God's fighting champion" for others. She's a devoted Panthers fan who lives by the "Keep Pounding" mantra, the story of Sam Mills, and embraces the never give up attitude the team inspires.
Kevin Ballantine - Courage
In December of 2024, a routine annual exam turned into a life-changing cancer diagnosis for Kevin Ballantine. He was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, an incurable blood cancer, and started his aggressive treatment plan the day after Christmas. Since then, Kevin has endured several rounds of chemo and a stem cell transplant, but through it all has remained positive and upbeat, not letting this disease define how the rest of his life will play out. A lifelong Panther fan and huge Charlotte FC fan, Kevin has recently been able to restart some of his favorite hobbies including attending sporting events, rock climbing and cycling. He hopes that he can be an example for younger patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma that with hope, positivity and courage, the disease can be pushed to the background while living a full life and embracing Kevin's mantra "Do More of What Makes You Happy".
