"I say this all the time, but it really is truthful: we really can't do what we do in that building, and in our clinics without partnerships like the Predators and Hockey Fights Cancer and the Foundation," Rush said. "You all have helped us to build the building and for a number of years, you have supported our cancer mission, whether that's through practical programming or through research, and it's really helping to empower future generations of oncologists to make treatments for childhood cancer better."
One of the most unique aspects of the Fund is that it was created by former Preds Pekka Rinne and Shea Weber in partnership with the Predators Foundation empowered by SmileDirectClub. Although they could not be at the event on Friday, Rinne and Weber remain active in its operation, and numerous members of the Preds squad have enjoyed heading to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital each and every year to spend time with cancer patients.
"Our players miss being here. We always tell the story when our players sign up for community days, the veterans will bump the young guys off of the list to come to the hospital because it means so much to them - they love to be here," Kennedy said. "So it's been tough for them to not be able to visit during this time, but that we are still able to make an impact during the odd times that we've lived in for the last 18 months and to stand here by our dear friends from Vanderbilt Hospital and make a difference is just an honor."
"We have some very fun memories of all of the team members coming back, and I cannot wait until we can get them in the building to interact with our children and to do some of the fun things they do," Rush said. "Whether it's leading bingo or we've had them come in dressed up and doing gingerbread house decorating competitions with hockey players who've never touched making a gingerbread house. We have a lot of fond memories and truly look forward to getting past that part of the pandemic when we can bring them back in person."
Over the years, many cancer patients from Vanderbilt Children's Hospital have been treated to a night at Bridgestone Arena to watch the Preds play via the fund and its suite at the Arena. A night in the suite has been known to include food and beverages, knee hockey with a real goal light and 365 Fund T-shirts and postgame meet and greets with Rinne and other Predators players. On select nights, the suite is auctioned off with all proceeds going straight to the 365 Fund.
"It's really those community partnerships that leverage the best of what this city has. I think there are certain things that everybody in the community can wrap around, and this has been such a long-standing relationship, and we are just thrilled to have the Predators and the Predators Foundation as one of our partners," Rush said. "Magic happens when you build those relationships, and you can transform them into something tangible that really improves the lives of somebody else. That has been the mission of both of these organizations for a very long time. I think it's just special."
Friday's presentation was just one part of the Predators celebration of the NHL's Hockey Fights Cancer initiative. This Saturday, Preds fans will trade in their navy and Gold for lavender as Nashville welcomes the Arizona Coyotes for their first of two HFC games this season.
"Having connectivity with icons in this community like Vanderbilt Children's Hospital is absolutely something that's as important to us as playing hockey," Kennedy said. "Hockey Fights Cancer is one of my favorite games of the year, and we just are absolutely honored and delighted to be a part of this."
