MD Anderson and Houston Dynamo to host End Cancer Night April 27

Houston Dynamo vs. Columbus Crew SC game to honor those affected by cancer

MD Anderson News Release April 17, 2019

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center proudly presents End Cancer Night at BBVA Compass Stadium Saturday, April 27 at 7 p.m. as the Houston Dynamo take on Columbus Crew SC. The special evening will honor those affected by cancer and will feature an extraordinary halftime performance by Caly Bevier, America's Got Talent Season 11 semi-finalist and stage 3 ovarian cancer survivor.

"We are excited for the opportunity to join forces with Houston Dynamo fans in the fight to end cancer," said Peter WT Pisters, M.D., president of MD Anderson. "End Cancer Night will give us the chance to honor and support the countless patients and their families fighting this battle as well as raise awareness about the importance of cancer prevention and education aimed at reducing your cancer risk."

Fans will have a number of ways to join the fight to end cancer during the game. On-site activations will include:

  • Co-branded MD Anderson and Houston Dynamo scarves distributed to the first 7,500 fans
  • Custom MD Anderson soccer patches shared with fans who pledge to be tobacco-free
  • Strikethrough cancer giant letters for photos and social media sharing
  • Opportunities to donate to MD Anderson's mission to end cancer

Jeffrey S. Wefel, Ph.D., an associate professor of Neuropsychology at MD Anderson and a former professional soccer player, will participate in a ceremonial "First Kick." Houston Dynamo right-back Chris Duvall will share healthy lifestyle tips with fans on cancer prevention PSAs featured throughout the game. During halftime, Bevier will perform her cover of Rachel Platten's 2015 hit track – Fight Song as fans will be encouraged to hold up their co-branded MD Anderson and Houston Dynamo scarves. Simultaneously, a gigantic strikethrough cancer scarf will be unveiled on the field.

“Our partnership with MD Anderson has already been so well received throughout the Houston community as well as the larger soccer community, and we are very excited to team up with them on End Cancer Night to shine a light on the tremendous work that everyone associated with MD Anderson does,” said Dynamo president John Walker. “Our players, coaches and staff have all embraced the mission that drives MD Anderson and are proud to bear that iconic logo on their jerseys. Our entire organization is excited to continue to drive awareness and support of that mission around End Cancer Night.”

The excitement begins well before April 27. Dynamo players and End Cancer Night performer Caly Bevier plan to visit patients at MD Anderson and spread hope to those who may not be able to make it to the stadium for the game.

Monday, April 22 4:30 – 6 p.m.
MD Anderson Children's Cancer Hospital

Houston Dynamo players Memo Rodriguez, Chris Duvall, Tommy McNamara, Boniek García and Kevin Garcia, as well as former Houston Dynamo player Brian Ching, will join in the fun leading up to MD Anderson's Prom Party Palooza at the Dress and Suit Shop. Players will visit with teen cancer patients and assist them in getting fitted for and selecting attire for the upcoming prom.

*Spanish-speaking media opportunities available

Saturday, April 27 3 – 4 p.m.
MD Anderson Children's Cancer Hospital

Prior to taking the stage at End Cancer Night, Caly Bevier will join teens for "prom prep." Bevier will visit with prom attendees as they select accessories and get hair, makeup and nails done by beauty industry professionals. From there, Bevier will head to BBVA Compass Stadium to perform in the halftime show.

MD Anderson and the Houston Dynamo

MD Anderson became the official cancer center and jersey partner of the two-time Major League Soccer (MLS) champion Houston Dynamo on January 1, 2019. The collaboration marks the first season-long cause-related jersey partnership in MLS history and highlights the two institution's joint commitment toward one goal: end cancer.

Most visible on the Dynamo's 2019 jersey bearing MD Anderson's strikethrough cancer logo, which will also be depicted virtually on player jerseys in the popular video game FIFA ‘19, the partnership encourages fans, club partners and the Houston community to join the team effort in Making Cancer History®. Cancer prevention education, community outreach, survivorship celebrations, public service announcements and philanthropic initiatives are planned through the multi-year agreement.

As of January 1, 2019, BBVA Compass Stadium is a tobacco- and smoke-free facility. Smoking and tobacco already were prohibited inside the seating bowl and concourse but the policy is now extended throughout the property through the partnership. BBVA Compass Stadium joins many other stadiums, arenas and venues around the country in offering a fully tobacco- and smoke-free environment to all of its guests.