The Cure Bowl

On this episode discover the remarkable story of Deborah Hausman, March 2Cure Committee Chair, Cure Bowl 2023 Ambassador, and cancer research fundraiser. Deborah's journey provides epic inspiration as she carries forward a legacy of advocating awareness for, and working to end, breast cancer. We explore the profound impact of the Cure Bowl, a purpose-driven NCAA college football game, and its unique mission to fund cancer research. Through Deborah's insights, we learn about the game's role in raising awareness and crucial funds to combat cancer, particularly breast cancer. Join us as we uncover Deborah's dedication, discuss the Cure Bowl's significant achievements, and amplify collective hope for a world without the disruption of this devastating disease.

Transcript of the podcast:

Deborah Hausman: Championing a Cure for Cancer

Mauricio:

Welcome to our podcast. Today, we have our truly inspiring guest, Deborah Housman—Ambassador Cure Bowl 2023 and committee chair for March to Cure. Deborah is a legacy bearer of a family resilient against breast cancer and a fierce advocate in the cancer community. Deborah embodies the spirit of turning challenges into opportunities for change. Let's dive into her incredible story.

Deborah, It's a pleasure to have you here. Thank you so much for joining us today. Can you briefly describe what you do and who you do it for?

Deborah:

Well, first off, thank you so much for including me today. I appreciate this opportunity. So, for well over a decade, I have been a volunteer in the breast cancer community, and I am the granddaughter, the daughter, and the niece of breast cancer survivors in my family. I was ten years old when my mother was first diagnosed, and following her recovery, she dedicated over 30 years of volunteering to the American Cancer Society.

So, following in her footsteps, I'm just kind of stepping in where she left off. I am currently on the board of directors for the Orlando Sports Foundation, as well as a patient advocacy ambassador for the Susan G. Komen Center for Public Policy.

Mauricio:

And what is your main goal as an ambassador for the Cure Bowl?

Deborah:

Oh, to fill a stadium. Yeah, because, you know, really filling seats, it's so simple. Filling seats. It brings us closer to a cure. And I am dedicated, and I will not leave this project until we achieve that goal. Our mission is to bring teams together and to win in this fight with such a horrible disease.

You know, my main goal as this year's ambassador is to spread the word about the uniqueness of this game. And, you know, there are 41 bowl games played throughout our nation, and the Cure Bowl is the only one that redistributes funds that are raised from the sale of stadium seats to help fight against cancer. And right here in central Florida, and the money stays here in central Florida.

What is the Cure Bowl?

Mauricio:

For those unfamiliar, can you explain what the Cure Bowl is and its primary objectives?

Deborah:

So the Cure Bowl is one of the only purpose driven ballgames games in our nation. The Cure Bowl is really so much more than just a great football game. It's an opportunity to participate in something so much bigger because when you buy that seat in the stadium, you're also participating in helping to fund cancer research. That's a big deal, and especially to survivors and people in the fight.

And it's a win-win for our cancer community. When it comes to breast cancer, you know, we look at the statistics and it's crazy, but one out of every eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. You know, in our state of Florida alone, 23,000 women and men will be diagnosed with breast cancer by the end of this year.

And we'll lose over 3000 of these people to that disease. And I think that's unacceptable. And the curable is one way to pitch in and to contribute.

Mauricio:

If you are not aware, a lot of people might have cancer, it's 18% of the population has cancer, and it affects everyone we were talking about; it starts with the diagnosis, and it ends when? After your survivor, your family. It's affected the it's economy is affected. And so it's really important that all of our audience support the cause.

Deborah:

That's absolutely right.

Mauricio:

How did the idea of the Curve Bowl come about and why did you decide to get involved?

Deborah:

The Orlando Sports Foundation had a goal to bring a post-season college bowl game to Orlando that stood for something greater than just the game. And now, more than a decade later, we have one of the only purpose-driven ball games on the season calendar. So I come from a family of football. My dad played in the NFL for the Los Angeles Rams.

My brother was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys. I was a professional athlete, and unfortunately, I also come from a family of cancer survivors. So, this connection was natural for me. Plus, I love football.

Mauricio:

Yeah, I know it made complete sense that you get into it for both things. Football and being a cancer survivor. Deborah, over the years, what significant milestones or achievements has the Cure Bowl accomplished?

Deborah:

The Cure Bowl game through the Orlando Sports Foundation has actually funded $4.1 million for cancer research. I just think that's phenomenal. And, you know, they've brought and continue to raise awareness in the community. And it's really just that simple. And in the most recent years, they have partnered with Dr. Annette Khaled at BURNETT School of Biomedical Sciences at the UCF College of Medicine.

And her research has just been pivotal in the medical field. And we really believe that her findings that she's right on track to achieve our goal. So it's very exciting. You know, if you're curious and you would like more information on Dr. Khaled and her team, you can go to curebowl.com. And I believe there's a video up which will explain everything in detail.

Mauricio:

Yes. She's making a great advance in terms of medicine, having a prompt diagnosis and great treatment that might kill a lot of cancer cells.

Deborah:

And she's driven. And yeah, she's the perfect person for our team.

Imagine if she can have the cure for everything that will change the whole world.

Mauricio:

It would change the world.

Community Unity: Supporting the Cure Bowl's Cause

Mauricio:

Deborah, the Cure Bowl isn't just a game. It's a community event. How do you see the community's role in making the Cure Bowl successful?

Deborah:

You know, we just need people to show up. Just come to the game. Please show up. I look at this as an opportunity to share time with loved ones. Maybe a survivor in your family, someone in the fight, or, you know, you can even memorialize someone that you possibly have lost to this disease. But by showing up together, we create a much greater impact in this cancer battle.

And by sitting in that seat and showing those watching on television that we are all in this fight together of Orlando versus cancer.

Mauricio:

How were the last games?

Deborah:

They were fabulous. So, for the last three years, ESPN has actually ranked the number one bowl game as the Cure Bowl game. The match-ups are phenomenal. And people just, the unfortunate part is that you don't get that match-up until two weeks prior to the game. But, you know, if the community could step in and participate, there's just nothing more fun than this game.

I guarantee you a good game.

Getting Involved: Opportunities to Make a Difference

Mauricio:

And Deborah, what opportunities are for individuals or businesses to support or get involved in the Cure Bowl?

Deborah:

Oh, there are plenty of opportunities. First, of course, coming to the game, Big, big, big start. But game day sponsors are welcome. Like any event, we have different levels of participation. But my favorite of all is what we call memberships. And I actually purchased two of those memberships myself. They ranged from anything under $400, and that includes seats, pre-game party passes, and parking passes.

They can also go up to $5,000, and they have wonderful benefits for club seats. It's just a great time to party. But the entry-level memberships, you know, we've seen people use those for corporate incentives and even a holiday gift. I see so many corporations, you know, they'll organize their holiday parties at hotels or restaurants each year. And I'm just thinking, well, if you want to be the cool boss where you switch things up and have your party at the game and have those club-level seats with food and beverages just for your group.

Deborah:
I just think it'd be a big hit. And not only is it economical about, you know, you're really supporting a cause, and you're both getting and giving at the same time.
Mauricio:

Yeah, it's a great opportunity to bring people together to support a great cause and to have fun.

Deborah:

So it's a family value event.

Mauricio:

Yes. And also a great opportunity for companies to start building up community with their employees towards higher cause.

Deborah:

Absolutely.

A Vision for the Future: Eradicating Cancer with the Cure Bowl:

Mauricio:

As we look towards the future, are there any exciting developments or changes that fans and supporters should expect from the Cure Bowl?

Deborah:

Yes, Mauricio. Yes. This year, the game will be played at the FBC Mortgage Stadium at UCF. You know, the bounce house, of course, and all new this year and the game we air locally on ABC. But we encourage all the fans to please come and join us live at the stadium, not just on television. Additionally, there will be more announcements made next month, and you can find those updates on the curebowl.com as well.

Mauricio:

And Deborah, what are your long-term visions for the Cure Bowl and its impact on the course it supports?

Deborah:

Clearly, our vision is a cure for cancer, but one thing that continues to fuel me is that possibility that we, the community in central Florida, may one day become a part of finding a cure. And can you just imagine that if the funds that we raise from this game and that research that we fund became the cure that we found that cure, can you imagine being part of something so significant in life? I can't.

Mauricio:

That would be wonderful. Yes. Deborah, has your personal journey influenced your dedication and commitment to the Cure Bowl?

Deborah's Personal Journey: A Story of Hope and Resilience

Deborah:

Oh, it's a long story. So, I joined the Orlando Sports Foundation Board of Directors in November of 2021, and one week later, I was diagnosed myself with breast cancer—quite a shock. But, you know, because of my history, it wasn't about if it was more about when. And, on December 16th, which was the day the Cure Bowl was played, I watched the best football game, college football game I have ever seen, but I watched it while recovering in the recovery at the hospital. I was recovering from a bilateral mastectomy.

They removed a very aggressive cancer, and a few months later, I became a survivor. So, advocating for thousands of people a year past, I was forced to really just take a good look in the mirror, and I knew that I made the right decision to make it my life's mission to eradicate cancer in any way I can. And because of my background of athletics and cancer and the curable, it was a perfect vessel for me achieving that objective.

Mauricio:

Deborah, your story is amazing. It's a way of showing hope to other people that there is a chance of really being cured and keep on going with your life. And Deborah, is there a particular story or moment from the Cure Bowl's history that stands out to you?

March to Cure: A Special Moment in Cure Bowl History

Deborah:

Yes. Well, you know, I am the chair for the March to Cure. So, yes, the March to Cure stands out to me. It's special. It's emotional. It's a party. It just encompasses every emotion. And this is when we gather the local dignitaries, the team bands, the mascots, and we walk together into the stadium just prior to the game.

And this year, we have a special tent that we're calling the Survivor sorority for our breast cancer survivors. And they'll gather, and then they'll bring up the tail end of the walk. This year, we're inviting all of the cancer survivors in attendance to join us on the field and share that moment of survivor achievement.

How You Can Support the Cure Bowl's Mission

Mauricio:

For those inspired by our conversation today, how can they get involved or support the Cure Bowl and its objectives?

Deborah:
Show up, Show up, Show up. Come to the game. Please show up. Purchase the tickets, attend the game. You can also donate. You can purchase a membership. Like I just explained, you can become a sponsor and buy. By the way, those sponsorships are the deal of the century. They really are. Or you can volunteer. And if none of the above-mentioned are possible, then just please tune in on game day.

Save the Date: Cure Bowl 2023 - December 16th at FBC STADIUM at 3:30

Mauricio:

Could you remind the audience when the game will be and where?

Deborah:

Hmm. So Saturday, December 16th, FBC Stadium at UCF Bounce House at 3:30.

Mauricio:

Great. And, do you have any final words or messages for our audience about the importance of the Cure Bowl and its mission?

Deborah:

Okay. Sure. Yeah. Boy, do I. So we all share a dream of living without the disruption in life from cancer. I don't know of anyone that has not been affected by cancer, and people think that once you become a survivor, that's it. But cancer takes a toll on patients. It takes a toll on their families and for months and years following.

I can say it best that you really don't get it until you get it. And the Cure Bowl contributes to our goal, which is defeat this disease and turn cancer patients into survivors.

Mauricio:

That's wonderful! Deborah, thank you so much for being here with us today and for sharing your great story. It's really inspiring. And everyone in our audience attend to the game. That's it.

Deborah:
Yes. Let us see you there. Let us all cheer on this cure and this cause together.

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