Joe’s Story – Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada
When I was 20 years old, I played for the Halifax Mooseheads and our team would visit the IWK Children’s Hospital weekly. I met a girl there named Jessica who had leukemia. We became close and after I turned professional, we lost touch.
Seven years later, I had my 24 hours with the Stanley Cup and we had a public autograph and photo opportunity at Dartmouth Crossing. I did an interview with CTV and afterwards two teenage girls approached me and one of them asked me if I remembered her? I had an awkward pause and then looked into her face and exclaimed “Jessica!”. She now had all her hair and was much older. I didn’t know if she had survived her diagnosis or not as admittedly didn’t know much about leukemia.
Friends of mine are both cancer survivors and 1 year after reconnecting with Jessica they approached me to use my platform as an NHL player to create a fundraising event for pediatric cancer patients in Orange County, California. I was hesitant because I anticipated it being a lot of work!
My first reaction was NO, I didn’t want to commit. It’s a great cause and I want to support it, but I do not have time or I didn’t want to put in the effort. If I do anything I want to do it 100% and I am not sure I can commit. Someone else will do it…
Then I thought of my encounter with Jessica, remembering her with her as a patient with her bald head and then seeing her 7 years later with long hair, completely cured.
I thought if I didn’t do this no one else will! I needed to take action.
We hosted an event called Shoot 4 The Cure for 2 years and raised $30,000 for pediatric cancer patients in OC. My action produced an impact for others and this became addictive and later inspired me to join The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada as an Executive Director in 2013.
Last year I was honoued to take on the role as Corporate Walk Chair and I have extended that role into 2024. My family and I have made the decision to move back to California so this will be my final year supporting LLSC in Halifax. With your help we can make it the best year ever and raise $1 million!
Please consider making a donation to my Light The Night page and join us in the fight against blood cancer!
