After completing 70 weeks of chemotherapy, 13-year-old Bria Roberts couldn't have a party or see her friends to commemorate the event, but she could still celebrate.
Earlier this year, Roberts attended a Senators game to celebrate completing her landmark 60th week of treatment. She brought a sign that caught the attention of Senators defenseman Mark Borowiecki, who gave her a signed puck and stick.
Last Thursday, April 9, the stick came back out. It sat on top of the stand Roberts used to "ring the bell" to signify the end of her chemotherapy right in front of Canadian Tire Center, however briefly.
"With COVID-19 we couldn't have a big party or do a bell ringing ceremony or anything like that," April Roberts, Bria's mother, told NHL.com. "We've been abiding by the rules, staying home, but when I was driving her to chemo the week before I was thinking the Senators have been her number one thing this whole time, what better place for this than in front of their arena?"
Canadian Tire Center is about a 20 minute drive from the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, where Bria was treated. They hopped out for a quick ring of the bell on the way home. She was, of course, wearing her purple Bobby Ryan jersey from Hockey Fights Cancer Night in Ottawa.
"She woke up last Thursday so happy. It's been quite a long road," said April Roberts.
Bria also got a special video message from Ryan, and a congratulatory call from Senators owner Eugene Melnyk.
April said that there will be a party in the future when gathering with groups of people are a thing again. And she is also patiently awaiting the return of her Senators.
"Bria misses hockey so much. She can't wait for it to be back," said Roberts.
