This year, breast cancer survivor Marilyn Presti will get to see what the players see when she attends her first football game Sunday, Oct. 1. Presti, a St. Mary's employee and Breast Center patient, was one of 30 St. Louis-area breast cancer survivors who will be honored during halftime at the St. Louis Rams football game this week.

“I’ve never been to a football game—not even high school,” said Presti, who completed her cancer treatment at SSM St. Mary’s Health Center in July 2005. “I’m so excited.”

Since undergoing cancer treatment more than a year ago, Presti has more than once found herself serving as a spokesperson for breast cancer survivors. Presti, who works at St. Mary’s in the Medical Staff Office, addressed the October 2005 Celebration of Life luncheon for people who received cancer treatment at the Health Center during the past year. Presti’s strength and courage led her sister, Gloria Chafin, to nominate her for the Rams festivities, sponsored by National City Bank. The event honored Presti and other survivors, who helped hold a banner reading “Real Men Wear Pink” out on the field. Chafin joined Presti as her guest on the field.

In preparation for the game, Presti attended a dinner where Rams wide receiver Isaac Bruce gave each survivor a pink bracelet adorned with Swarovski crystals.

“He was so nice and energetic,” said Presti of Bruce. “He slid down the banister as he came in, then he greeted each of us personally.”

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