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Cancer survivors find camaraderie and hope at Patriots Day of Pampering 

"To come to the game and see my players fighting just like I’m fighting? That is a blessing."

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Luisa Vargas is used to taking care of Patriots players.

As a master massage therapist, she has worked with a handful of New England athletes, and even after her cancer diagnosis in February, she's continued to work seven days a week to fuel her passion and her mind.

This year during the Patriots Day of Pampering, the team got to take care of her for a change.

"I have the opportunity to work with my superheroes, my Patriots, as a massage therapist," Vargas said on Monday at Gillette Stadium during the Patriots Foundation event.

"I like to give. I like to work hard. When I started this journey at the beginning of the year I knew I wasn't going to stop because I love what I do. For me, it's a win-win. But when I received the invitation to come here today, I couldn't believe it. Like, really? Somebody thought about me?

Vargas was nominated for this special day by none other than Patriots legend Matthew Slater, one of her clients.

Vargas was one of 13 women receiving treatment at Mass General Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and other local care centers to be invited for the Day of Pampering -- a longstanding Patriots tradition.

The survivors received complimentary transportation to Gillette Stadium and were treated to a healthy breakfast upon their arrival. They made flower bouquets and got massages, manicures, and facials among other activities.

"I was really surprised when I got the phone call from Andre Tippett," said Nadia Flores, diagnosed with a second recurrence of ovarian cancer in March.

"I thought he was calling to ask for a donation from me, and as the conversation went on, I realized he was inviting me to Gillette for a day of pampering. I was totally floored and really touched to learn that someone from my medical team, my nurse, had recommended me. I've been looking forward to it because I never get to do a lot of these things for myself. I'm a mom. I'm a wife. I wasn't sure what to expect, but it was so great and just makes you feel good in your body, right? This is the body that is fighting this disease. This is the body that I live in day to day. Things like this, a massage, a manicure, a facial – it's like taking care of this precious vehicle. I feel really cared for and special, like yeah, I am worth this."

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That sentiment is the purpose of this event every year, Patriots chairman and CEO Robert Kraft personally told the women at the event.

"Seeing these ladies and seeing their fighting spirit is inspirational," Kraft said.

"They're all smiling, so if we can give them a little happiness – I know the difficult time they're going through. I have personal experience with my sweet Myra, and it's a tough battle. Anyone who is close to anyone who has (cancer), you have to empathize and give them strength and support."

The women received gift bags and were brought down to the field for a surprise visit with head coach Jerod Mayo and dozens of Patriots players who made their way to the turf after practice.

As exciting as meeting the Patriots was, the women were most impacted after meeting each other.

"That's what's amazing is that we are all in this sisterhood, this club," said Barbara Scardina, a season ticket member and longtime fan of the team.

"None of us ever wanted to join it, but we're in it, and everybody's story is different, but we all have that connection. And just seeing the. The strength and the camaraderie, it's just so powerful. And the Patriots and the Krafts are just amazing to do this. This is very emotional."

As part of the Crucial Catch: Intercept Cancer campaign, 13 cancer survivors received special invitations to attend a "Patriots Day of Pampering" at Gillette Stadium on Monday, Sept. 23 2024. The 13 survivors received complimentary transportation to Gillette Stadium, where they were treated to a healthy breakfast and welcomed by members of the Patriots organization. The day of pampering featured manicures, massages, facials and the survivors were greeted by Patriots owner Robert Kraft and several players and coaches, including Jerod Mayo, Drake Maye, Jacoby Brisett, Mike Onwenu, Joey Slye & Christian Gonzalez.

Fortunately, this collection of women will get to see each other again soon.

As part of all their surprises, Kraft invited each one to attend the Patriots Week 5 game against the Miami Dolphins.

"We need their spirit," Kraft said after revealing the good news. "I have a belief that it's going to help us."

Vargas was as excited as anyone.

"To come to the game and see my players fighting just like I'm fighting? That is a blessing," Vargas said. "It's a blessing and a great gift for all of us."

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