The Columbus Blue Jackets and OhioHealth teamed up once again for 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 first 5,000 fans through the doors were greeted with co-branded Hockey Fights Cancer blankets. Before the puck dropped, attendees honored loved ones by filling out lavender battle cards and adding colored ribbons representing different types of cancer to a larger OhioHealth ribbon.
The night also featured four OhioHealth cancer survivors—Ellie Rinehart, Mike Stewart, Kim Swart and Kristin Meyer—representing skin, colorectal, lung and breast cancers. Each of them caught their cancer early through available screenings. The survivors were honored with a cheering crowd as their stories of resilience were shared on the scoreboard during the second intermission.
Throughout the night, OhioHealth experts helped reinforce the message of prevention and awareness. David Arrese, MD, OhioHealth Surgical Oncologist, appeared live on the scoreboard for an interview with in-arena host Mike Todd. George Simon, MD, Vice President of Oncology Services, joined the Blue Jackets Radio Network to discuss screening guidelines and risk factors.
“Quite simply, screening saves lives. When you screen for multiple cancers, you catch the cancers early, and the chances of curing them are higher,” Dr. Simon said. “It’s all about staying vigilant with your primary care providers. They can make recommendations as to when and where and how you should get screened.”
On the ice, the Blue Jackets delivered an electric performance, edging out the Edmonton Oilers 5-4. Mathieu Olivier and Charlie Coyle each notched three points, and Columbus held off a late push from Edmonton to secure the win and energize a crowd already united by a powerful cause.
Visit ohiohealth.com/services/cancer/schedule-a-screening to see the full list of screening guidelines or to schedule an appointment.
To listen to the full radio interview with Dr. Simon, click here.
To watch the full scoreboard interview with Dr. Arrese, 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.
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