Rams Crucial Catch Captains | Los Angeles Rams Community

At eleven months old, Jack was diagnosed with leukemia and received treatment at Cedars-Sinai. Now more than 20 years cancer free, he is a venture investor by day and remains deeply involved as a patient advocate at Cedars-Sinai, where he works with the team to provide tutoring and other resources to patients and their families. His North Star is to support patients in the same way so many people have shown up for him, and he is grateful to serve as a Crucial Catch Captain with the Los Angeles Rams.

After graduating from high school, Chris Dreike attended engineering school and studied electrical engineering. Chris envisioned a long and happy retirement following his career, headlined by time riding his 10-speed bike. In 2019, he developed Essential Thrombocytosis, which eventually progressed to sAML leukemia in 2020. Thanks to his good physical condition and the care of his medical teams, including physicians at Cedars- Sinai, he was able to overcome leukemia through chemotherapy and, ultimately, high dose radiation to eliminate any remaining leukemia cells. With his leukemia in check, Chris enjoys flying his RC airplanes and helicopters, sharing weekly meals with friends, and spending time with Melanie, his wife of 47 years, and their two adult children. Chris also continues to support the Cedars-Sinai blood cancer program.

Diane Bradshaw-Womack was diagnosed with breast cancer on March 7, 2016. Over the next five years, she underwent four surgeries, 35 radiation treatments, and a full course of 60 Faslodex injections to reduce the risk of recurrence. She received her final injection on August 30, 2021, and celebrated alongside her family and friends in Manhattan Beach, where she and her husband, Rob, make their home with their children, Reid, Maddie and her husband Tyler, and Margot.

Diane holds onto a line from Stuart Scott: you beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and the manner in which you live. She has done exactly that, with strength, honesty, and a steadiness that carried her family through the hardest stretch. She credits her doctors, the Cedars-Sinai Tower Hematology Oncology group, and the Manhattan Beach community that supported her throughout her journey. Today, Diane remains cancer free and is looking forward to becoming a grandmother for the first time in 2027.

Erik's journey with cancer began in 1975 at the age of eight. Following the discovery of a large, inoperable abdominal mass, he was diagnosed with hepatoblastoma at a pediatric hospital. Under specialized care, Erik participated in an experimental chemotherapy regimen utilizing cyclophosphamide and vincristine. The treatment proved exceptionally effective, successfully shrinking the tumor enough for surgical removal and ultimately becoming a standard of care for various pediatric liver cancers. After two years of intensive treatment, Erik achieved full remission. In 2021, Erik faced a new health challenge following a diagnosis of melanoma located at the base of his brain. Due to the tumor's sensitive location, his medical team used Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery to arrest its growth. As of 2023, Erik is once again cancer free after facing two complex cancer diagnoses. Erik enjoys traveling and woodworking and cherishes time spent with his family. He is currently looking forward to a significant personal milestone this December, when he will welcome his first granddaughter.

Katherine was enjoying life, grateful for her family and the everyday moments that make life special. Then everything changed when she was diagnosed with stage III invasive ductal carcinoma, a form of breast cancer. After learning that she had multiple tumors in one breast, she faced the difficult decision to undergo a double mastectomy. Following surgery, she began endocrine therapy and continues to navigate the physical and emotional challenges of her journey.

Cancer is now part of her life, but it does not define her. She is defined by her strength, love, resilience, and the way she continues to fight with grace and determination. She is a hero to her family, an inspiration to those who know her, and an example of what it means to face life's hardest moments with courage and hope.

Katherine's husband, Mike, was diagnosed with cancer just one month after her. In recognition of the strength and perseverance they have demonstrated together, the Rams are proud to select Katherine and Mike as 2026 Crucial Catch Captains.

Bill Stoneham is a lifelong supporter and dedicated season ticket holder and has cheered for the Rams through every season of life. This summer, Bill was diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer and began chemotherapy, with surgery ahead in his treatment journey. Even while undergoing treatment, Bill continues to attend Rams games and finds joy in being part of the team he loves.

Bill has faced cancer before, standing faithfully beside his wife, Cheryl, through her battle with breast cancer until her passing. Now facing his own fight, he continues to show the same courage, resilience and determination. A devoted father, grandfather and unwavering Rams fan, Bill refuses to let cancer define him. To Bill, the Rams are more than football – they represent family, tradition, cherished memories, and something to look forward to throughout his cancer journey.

Marlene's cancer journey began in 2012 during a routine physical where her doctor found a lump in her throat. After tests and biopsies, it was concluded that she had thyroid cancer. The best course of treatment was to remove her entire thyroid and complete radioactive iodine therapy. Today, she is not just a survivor — she is thriving, embracing every moment, creating beautiful memories with family and friends, and making the most of this precious life. Beating cancer reminded her just how valuable each day truly is, and she continues to live with gratitude, purpose, and a heart full of hope.

Meli's journey began on May 31, 2013, when the results of her annual mammogram revealed a stage 0 DCIS diagnosis in her right breast. Her medical team took immediate action, with her surgeon guiding her through treatment. Meli underwent a double mastectomy on June 26, 2013, followed by additional surgeries throughout the next year. Meli was declared completely cancer free by August and underwent a five-year evaluation process to ensure that the cancer did not return. Since then, she has mentored and coached friends, colleagues, and family members on the importance of early detection and self care. She has also shared her story with patients experiencing similar diagnoses, offering insight into surgery recovery, doctor visits, rehabilitation, protective clothing, nutrition, and other aspects of the treatment journey in hopes of helping others detect and address cancer at its earliest stages. She and her partner value their time together cheering on the Rams and their favorite LA sports teams.

Michael's journey with cancer has been quite a rollercoaster. While he has faced multiple challenges along the way, he has met them with a positive attitude and strong determination. It's inspiring to see how Michael keeps his spirits up and keeps fighting through the ups and downs with a lot of support from his family.  So far, Michael is 99% cancer-free. Michael is excited and honored to be a Crucial Catch Captain and to support fellow Rams fans who are facing their own difficult battles. He appreciates everyone's prayers and well wishes as he and his family continue their journey to face any new challenges ahead.

Amanda was diagnosed with Stage IV ALK-positive lung cancer just 10 days after giving birth to her twin boys. Testing of her tumor revealed an ALK alteration, which meant she was eligible for targeted therapy, and she considers herself incredibly fortunate to have an exceptional response to her treatment. In May 2026, after more than three years of treatment, she underwent surgery to remove the lower left lobe and the site of her primary lung tumor.

Through diagnosis, treatment, scans, uncertainty, and surgery, Amanda has continued working, raising her children, and showing up for her family. Cancer is part of her story, but it has never been the entirety of it. Amanda is profoundly grateful for the advances in targeted cancer treatment that have given her the opportunity to keep watching her boys grow, reaching new milestones, and living a full life alongside cancer.