Columbus Blue Jackets Host Hockey Fights Cancer Night presented by OhioHealth
On Nov. 21, the Columbus Blue Jackets teamed up with OhioHealth to host their annual Hockey Fights Cancer night at Nationwide Arena. This initiative brought together the hockey community in support of adult and pediatric cancer patients to raise funds and awareness for organizations dedicated to cancer care. The Blue Jackets took on the Tampa Bay Lightning in a thrilling matchup that ended in a 7-6 overtime victory.
The first 5,000 fans through the doors were greeted with a Hockey Fights Cancer blanket. Before the game, fans were able to honor their loved ones by filling out lavender battle cards to recognize the names of individuals in the fight against cancer and pin a small ribbon on a larger OhioHealth cancer ribbon.
This year’s theme was survivorship, and the event was filled with moments highlighting the strength and resilience of those who have faced cancer.
During the game, Larry Lilly, MD, Medical Director of the OhioHealth Cancer Survivorship Clinic, participated in an interview on the Blue Jackets Radio Network about the support and personalized care plans provided to survivors through the OhioHealth Cancer Survivorship Clinic. Ali Fister, Social Worker at the Cancer Survivorship Clinic was live on the scoreboard for an interview with Blue Jackets in-arena host, Mike Todd.
The night also featured five cancer survivors—Casanail Johnson, Susan Cochran, and mother and daughter Janet and Jennifer Knotts, all treated at OhioHealth, along with 6-year-old Graham Smith. Each of these survivors had the honor of ringing the bell, a symbol of their victory over cancer, in an emotional moment that was accompanied by a performance of an original song by fellow survivor, Molly Oldham.
To learn more about OhioHealth's cancer care, click here.
About Hockey Fights Cancer™
Founded in 1998 by the National Hockey League and the National Hockey League Players' Association, Hockey Fights Cancer unites the hockey community in support of cancer patients and their families with the goal of raising money and awareness for national and local organizations involved in cancer care and research. The initiative gets an assist from players, coaches, officials, equipment managers, front office staff, corporate partners, and fans. Together, the hockey family looks to inspire hope and courage for those who are living with, going through, and moving past cancer. Lavender, the official color of Hockey Fights Cancer, represents all cancers and will be featured prominently throughout the campaign. To join the conversation, use the official hashtag #HockeyFightsCancer.
