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Meet the Captains

Kevin Sutlick

Kevin Sutlick

In 2018, Kevin was diagnosed with prostate and kidney cancer. He underwent five weeks of radiation therapy for his prostate cancer. For his kidney cancer, the doctor recommended a microwave procedure—a new technique at the time—to eliminate the cancerous growth. Kevin continues to have periodic tests to ensure the cancer has not returned and is fortunate to remain cancer-free to this day.

Kevin adores his kitties: Pickles, the big boy; Abbey, named after Abbey Road in London; and STELLA, inspired by A Streetcar Named Desire. Don't let anyone fool you, kitties are high maintenance!

He also has a 55-gallon aquarium filled with a mixture of freshwater fish and enjoys maintaining the tank. A music lover, Kevin's taste spans from classical to Elvis, the Beatles, Pink Floyd, and everything in between. In retirement, he's been watching more movies, especially classics and film noirs. Reading has also become a favorite pastime, particularly biographies of notable figures from past and present.

Kevin enjoys rides on his CBX motorcycle, loves the Rams (and his season seats), and makes sure to keep his schedule clear for Rams games from late August through January! Most importantly, Kevin is grateful for life, especially over the past six years, and appreciates each new day. Go Rams!

Rachel Ramirez

Rachel Ramirez

On November 8, 2023, Rachel was called into her doctor's office to discuss the results of her mammogram. She was told they found abnormalities on both sides of her chest and would need further testing, but it was most likely breast cancer. From that day, she and her family faced the challenge head-on. Rachel underwent a lumpectomy to determine how aggressive the cancer was and to assess the next steps, hoping for clean margins on the removal. Unfortunately, she did not receive clean margins, so she had to undergo a second surgery. Following that, she began chemotherapy and then transitioned into weeks of daily radiation.

Rachel, a special education teacher for 17 years, was heartbroken to leave her students for the school year due to her diagnosis. Yet, she didn't let cancer win. She would visit her class, plan lessons, monitor their progress, and even continue hosting the student store they loved. A week after completing treatment, Rachel spent a month traveling through France, Spain, and Italy!

Through hard days, Rachel kept smiling, laughing, praying, and attending Rams events, including games and training camps. She is thrilled to be back in the classroom, making memories, and helping her students achieve their goals. Rachel is overjoyed to have been chosen as a Crucial Catch Captain. We love you, Rachel—you are an amazing wife, mom, daughter, and educator! We will always get through everything together!

Yolanda Diaz

Yolanda Diaz

On May 11, 2022, Yolanda received the devastating news that she had breast cancer. After exploring her options, she opted for surgery to remove the cancer and, at the same time, had a mastectomy to avoid radiation therapy. Soon after, she began chemotherapy and is still undergoing treatments. The side effects of chemotherapy have been challenging, but Yolanda is incredibly grateful for the amazing team of doctors who have supported her through this journey. She thanks God for the opportunity to be here with her family and appreciates their constant support during this difficult time.

Gianna Alexis Ruiz

Gianna Alexis Ruiz

At the age of two, Gianna was diagnosed with a rare childhood cancer called Wilms tumor after doctors noticed one of her legs was slightly longer than the other. This aggressive cancer, if not treated immediately, spreads quickly, beginning in the kidneys and then attacking surrounding organs. Fortunately, doctors caught the cancer early, just as it started growing on her kidneys. Surgeons successfully removed the affected cells from both kidneys. After a year of having a power port in her chest, enduring chemotherapy, weakened kidney function, and two surgeries, you'd never know Gianna had cancer except for the scars on her belly and chest.

Now 14 and a high school freshman, Gianna is vibrant and determined. She's a seasoned Spartan Race participant, a dedicated LAPD Cadet with the Devonshire Division, and a straight-A, multilingual student (English, Spanish, Italian, Arabic, and ASL). She has earned numerous scholastic awards and was honored with the "Grit That Won't Quit" award for her determination. Gianna aspires to enter the Air Force Academy after high school.

Her two-year-old dachshund, Cash, is her pride and joy, and her 17-year-old brother, Vincent, is her best friend. Her favorite Rams are Puka Nacua, Rampage, and Coach McVay. Gianna's family is incredibly proud of her and supports her dreams. As Gianna said in her middle school graduation speech, "I am aspiring to be an engineer, astronaut, brain surgeon, and the first woman to colonize Mars—just as long as my dog Cash can come with me!"

Jazmin Hurtado

Jazmin Hurtado

Jazmin Hurtado is a two-time breast cancer survivor who continues to persevere through life's challenges. At the age of 22, in 2013, Jazmin was first diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite the burden of college and daily life, she faced the obstacle head-on. Thanks to her self-advocacy, doctors caught the cancer early, and with the help of targeted radiation, Jazmin became cancer-free while also earning her Bachelor's degree. Her determination led her to climb the ladder in her career, where she now makes a huge impact, particularly on young women and children, through recreational activities.

In 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Jazmin was diagnosed with breast cancer again. Thankfully, the cancer was caught early, and she attacked it with targeted radiation before it could spread. Today, Jazmin is once again cancer-free and continues to pursue her passion while prioritizing her family. She loves football and is excited to serve as a Crucial Catch Captain with the Los Angeles Rams, spreading awareness and inspiring others.

Jamie Frankel

Jamie Frankel

Jamie has always been known for his joyful personality and sense of humor. When he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in April 2023, the news hit hard. Immediately following his diagnosis, Dr. Arsen Osipov and his team at Cedars Sinai Medical Center prescribed an aggressive chemotherapy treatment. After completing chemotherapy and radiation, Jamie became a candidate for the Whipple procedure, which was successfully performed by Dr. Nick Nissen at Cedars Sinai. After recovery, Jamie underwent additional chemotherapy. On January 1, 2024, he completed all treatments.

Throughout the process, Jamie never asked his doctors to scale back on the intensity of his treatment. He fought through the side effects and remained grateful for the love and care of his doctors and family. Every night, despite the challenges, Jamie would say, "Every day is a good day, even a chemo day." Today, Jamie is thriving, back to volunteering, and cheering on his favorite sports teams.

Dr. Morgan Cavanaugh

Dr. Morgan Cavanaugh

As a dedicated and highly respected veterinarian and animal hospital owner, Morgan Cavanaugh has spent most of his life caring for animals and ensuring their well-being. He is equally beloved for his care and kindness toward the people around him, from his family and friends to his employees and clients. That's why, when he was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer in April 2023, he was initially reluctant to share his diagnosis. Having spent his life caring for others, he didn't know how to be the patient who needed support. However, when he finally shared his diagnosis, he was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and acts of kindness from everyone around him.

The incredible community Morgan had built helped reinforce his positive mindset and mental strength as he faced uncertainty during his treatment. Two months after his diagnosis, he underwent surgery to remove his prostate. As he was recovering, his doctors informed him that the biopsy revealed cancer cells remaining in his body, meaning additional treatment would be necessary. Determined to fight, Morgan researched the best treatment options, both traditional and alternative, and embraced his treatment plan with optimism and gratitude. He was fortunate to receive care from one of the world's top prostate cancer researchers, Dr. Tanya Dorff, at City of Hope. Dr. Dorff helped Morgan enroll in a clinical trial for a drug that is expected to improve survival and cure rates for men with cancer at his stage.

Morgan also followed his doctors' advice to exercise regularly during treatment, a routine he embraced wholeheartedly as a life-long fitness enthusiast. With his favorite workout partner—his wife Juli—by his side, he exercised every single day of his treatment and beyond. Though some days were more challenging than others, and his workouts looked different than they had before, he never gave up on maintaining his fitness and mental resilience.

Morgan endured six months of injectable chemotherapy (hormone suppression), which caused lethargy, muscle loss, hot flashes, and extreme fatigue; 37 radiation treatments that left him exhausted and in pain; and six months of a daily oral experimental drug that caused a metallic taste and irritated skin. Despite this grueling regimen, when Morgan rang the bell at City of Hope to mark the end of his radiation treatments, he proudly declared that he considers his diagnosis a blessing, not a curse. He believes that the experience has made him a better person, more empathetic, compassionate, and connected to others. Morgan understands that without suffering, there is no joy, and that his diagnosis has given him a renewed appreciation for life and those around him.

Today, Morgan is happy to report that he is in remission. He will continue to be closely monitored by his doctors, but he and his family remain optimistic that his treatment has resulted in a cure. Morgan continues to live life to the fullest, celebrating every day and cherishing the victory over his cancer.

Laura Rodriguez

Laura Rodriguez

Laura Rodriguez is a 12-year survivor of stage 4 lung cancer. Hearing the words "You have cancer" is something no one ever wants to experience, but for some, it becomes a life-altering reality. For Laura, this diagnosis profoundly deepened her appreciation for life, reminding her that tomorrow is never guaranteed, but that hope remains a powerful force. Every day, she holds onto the hope that a cure is on the horizon.

Laura is deeply grateful for her incredible medical team and her supportive family, who have stood by her side throughout this challenging journey. Their unwavering support has given her the strength to keep fighting. She is also thankful for the inspiring people she's met along the way—their stories and encouragement have helped her discover inner strength and courage she didn't know she had.

Nishan White

Nishan White

Nishan Kwalee White is an 18-year-old recently diagnosed with synovial sarcoma, a rare form of cancer. The diagnosis came so suddenly that he's still trying to wrap his head around it. One day, he was hanging out with friends, working, and preparing for college; the next, he found himself at Cedars-Sinai Hospital. When he first heard the news, he felt a wave of emotions—shock, sadness, fear—but then hope began to take over.

Nishan is a fighter, and he comes from a family of fighters and overcomers, especially his mom. His many years of playing football have given him the mindset of never quitting and always going hard, and he plans to carry that same mentality into his battle with cancer. As he undergoes chemotherapy and radiation, he is determined to fight with everything he's got and reach the finish line.

Nishan's faith in God is strong, and he firmly believes that God will heal him. He knows this journey will lead to an even greater testimony in the end.

Ashley Porter

Ashley Porter

In 2007, at the age of 17, Ashley Porter was diagnosed with leukemia. After enduring 3 ½ years of chemotherapy and radiation, she promised herself and her family that if she were ever diagnosed with cancer again, she would never go through treatment.

That all changed in July of 2024 when Ashley was diagnosed with breast cancer. At first, she contemplated her next steps, but when she looked at her three-year-old daughter, the decision was clear—she wanted to be here for her and show her how brave her mama is.

Since her diagnosis, Ashley has had an incredible village of support. From her friends and family to her coworkers at Cedars-Sinai and the Holt Brothers, she is surrounded by love and encouragement. She knows that cancer doesn't stand a chance.

Lakeesha Alford

Lakeesha Alford

Lakeesha Alford, a Sergeant with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, was shocked when she was diagnosed with lung cancer in December 2021, just one week before her 43rd birthday—especially since she had no history of smoking. What began as a routine visit to the doctor for gallstones turned into a life-altering discovery: a mass on her right lung that was cancerous. Her first thought was, "I don't smoke—how could this be possible?"

Fear of the unknown quickly set in, especially concerns about the well-being of her 10-year-old son, Ethen. As a sergeant, Lakeesha was used to taking care of people, handling situations, and being in control, but cancer left her feeling helpless. However, after completing her cancer milestones, she found strength in joining various cancer support groups.

Through her journey, Lakeesha gained a new perspective on life, realizing that family and community support are essential in overcoming not just cancer but also the stigma it can leave behind. She is now dedicated to raising lung cancer awareness by sharing her story and living each moment with purpose and intention.

Jack Coleman

Jack Coleman

Jack Coleman was diagnosed with lymphoma in August of his senior year of high school going through multiple rounds of chemotherapy. Jack remained strong in his fight, faith and love for football. Jack now gives back to Centennial High School, his Alma mater by coaching with the defensive line.

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