Nick Foligno is back with the Chicago Blackhawks after a brief leave of absence in order to be with his daughter as she underwent heart surgery.
“I’m happy to report that Milana’s home now and doing well,” Foligno told reporters this week. “She’s probably the one that gives us the most strength with the way she’s handled this adversity. It’s impressive for a 12-year-old girl to handle it face-on.”
Foligno’s daughter was diagnosed with mitral valve arcade, a congenital heart defect that could lead to heart failure, in 2013 while Foligno was with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Folignos brought their daughter to Boston where she had successful open-heart surgery in 2013 and 2018.
“It makes us so thankful for Boston Children’s (Hospital), first and foremost, the surgeon team, the nurses, the care that we received there and then also here at Lurie Children’s Hospital (in Chicago),” Foligno said. “They’re incredible. We were able to get her seen quickly ahead of what probably could have been a lot worse, so really thankful and our family is so humbled and appreciative for all the support and love. So thankful to be back around the team. It’s a good sign of good things to come.”
Foligno revealed being close to the hospitalt hat saved his daughter’s life in Boston made signing with the Bruins in 2021 an easy decision.
The 37-year-old signed with the Blackhawks ahead of the 2023-24 season and was named captain of the team shortly after.
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