Puck You Cancer!

It's weird when two unrelated things happen at the same time in your life that seem to be such a matter of perfect timing, it's uncanny.

As some of you may know, my dad has been ill since early December. He has always been the healthier one of my parents (diabetes and a few other issues notwithstanding), so for him to be in the hospital suddenly was jarring to say the least. They found a small tumor near his pancreas, and the plan was to have it removed in a fairly major surgery two weeks ago. Things did not go according to plan. As they were beginning the surgery, they found a pretty large cancerous tumor on his liver - which was somehow missed in the seemingly 600 CT and endoscopies my dad had prior to surgery. This really is a cruel twist of fate as I can only recall my dad having an alcoholic drink once in my 30-odd years of existence. They removed this tumor and his gall-bladder, and sewed him back up. He starts chemo next week. Doctors are hopeful that treatment will kill the cancer, but as with anything having to do with the C word, since it has spread, he will be closely monitored. Things are going to be touch and go for the foreseeable future. To say this whole situation sucks is my understatement of the year.

My mother is also a cancer survivor. About five years ago, my mother was diagnosed with kidney cancer. She had her kidney removed, and knock on wood, the cancer hasn't returned. My mom really lucked out. Kidney cancer is often called "the silent killer" as in most cases, it isn't diagnosed until it is too late. Chemo is not an option for treatment. My mom had a bad cold which developed into pneumonia and had to be admitted to hospital. While there, they discovered the small growth in her kidney. Had she not been stubborn and waited until she was really ill to go see her doctor, in all likelihood she wouldn't be here right now. I shudder to think about it.

So while this is all going on "in real life," some fine folks are organizing a hockey related fundraiser: Chicago Pucks Cancer. It is a two part event - there will be a road watch for the Hawks game vs. the Coyotes on 2.12 at the Bottom Lounge in conjunction with Second City Hockey.  There will be a raffle for many cool prizes that have been donated. Additionally, there is also an online raffle for another assortment of prizes that runs through 2.28. You can buy raffle tickets through their website, or "like" them on Facebook for additional information. Proceeds will benefit the Young Survival Coalition, an organization who assists young women with breast cancer.

I will be attending the event on the 12th, and will probably blow a bunch of money trying to win some of these prizes. Additionally, many tweeps are "putting money on the board" on Twitter, pledging to donate money every time a player/team accomplishes something. I will be donating:

- $1 for every Blackhawks goal between last Tuesday's game and the game at Phoenix on 2.12. Right now I am up to $2 - thanks refs for waving off that third goal - turds.
- $100 for every goal John Scott scores between now and 2.28. Sure, he's been a healthy scratch more often than not, but if a puck defects off his large frame and hits twine, hey, it's for a good cause. 

Most teams have been represented, but a few have not. If you have a few dollars to spare and are on Twitter, why not put some money on the board for your favorite team or player and have a little fun with it? Be sure to include @ChiPucksCancer on any tweets you make.

Cancer effects us all in one way or another. It's hit a little too close to home for me lately, so I will be doing my part to make this a hugely successful event. Won't you do the same?