Lily's connection to Hockey Fights Cancer

Every year in our province, 50 to 60 children are diagnosed with cancer. For these children and the people who love and care for them, time almost seems to stop when the sobering news is delivered.
Lily, who turned nine earlier this fall, is one of these children. Her family's life was changed forever when she was diagnosed with leukemia in November 2016. Just seven at the time and in grade two, cancer was not on her parents' radar. Lily simply woke up one morning with a sore back. Her parents just thought it was a result of doing flips on her bed the day before.
"Cancer never entered our mind, it was not a fear. It came out of nowhere," says Lily's mom Heather.
Lily's treatment began swiftly and her family was told she would spend the next two and a half years receiving life-saving care. Care delivered by the incredible pediatric oncology team at CancerCare Manitoba.

During her first month of treatment, Lily's cancer cells were submitted to the Mayo Clinic for testing. This testing determined Lily's leukemia had the genetic mutation iAMP21 which moved it into the high-risk category.
Children with iAMP21 used to receive the standard risk treatment plan. As a result of clinical trials conducted over many years, doctors discovered Lily's form of cancer required more intense medications and hospital stays. These trials, which happen all over the world and also right here in Manitoba thanks to donors, are indeed helping save Lily's life.
"Every dollar donated to Hockey Fights Cancer helps normal, strong kids like Lily. If not for the money provided for clinical trials, we wouldn't have our daughter here with us today," Heather says.
Lily is nearing the home stretch of her long treatment. As they say in sports, she and her family can see the finish line! She only has a few more cycles of monthly chemotherapy and two lumbar punctures (spinal taps) left. On March 29, 2019, there will be a tremendous celebration when she wraps up her treatment.
To meet Lily is a true pleasure. She is compassionate, has a big heart and loves to spend quality time reading, dancing, doing art and at her cottage with her parents and older brother Cole.
Her family becomes very emotional when they reflect on what she and they have endured these past two years. But most of all, they are grateful.
"The care Lily has received has been the greatest gift to our family," says Heather. "We are just so thankful for the support provided to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation. Thank you so very much for your generosity."
Lily is one of four CancerCare Manitoba Foundation child ambassadors who will participate in the Nov. 29 Hockey Fights Cancer game when the Jets take on the Chicago Blackhawks at Bell MTS Place. The kids will participate in a ceremonial puck drop before enjoying star treatment for the game.
Fans can help kids like Lily by showing their support on Nov. 29 and at all November home games where mystery autographed mini sticks and pucks will be sold along with raffle tickets for the chance to win one of eight autographed lavender warm-up issued jerseys which players will wear Nov. 29 to bring more awareness to the cause.
All proceeds of the Jets' HFC campaign will stay right here in Manitoba to benefit more kids like Lily.
For more information on Hockey Fights Cancer, visit
winnipegjets.com/hfc
or get your tickets for HFC Night at
winipegjets.com/tickets
.