Hockey Fights Cancer helps provide hope for children with cancer

Luc has a wisdom beyond his years and a positive attitude which is remarkable. An optimist who has big dreams for his future, this brave ten-year-old has been living with cancer for nearly half of his life.
After undergoing treatment for over three years, Luc "rang the bell" this past spring.
It was an occasion to be celebrated. He had endured 40 months of intense therapy for leukemia and he and his parents, Justin and Lianne, were putting his cancer experience in the rearview mirror. They were all looking ahead to him starting grade five this fall and playing hockey with his St. Boniface Seals teammates.

Just four months later, they were dealt an unbelievably difficult blow. Post-treatment bloodwork revealed the unthinkable…Luc's cancer had returned. The shock was immense, and his new diagnosis brought on many feelings for his family. His response though was both positive and pragmatic. As his mom recalls, he said, "it is what it is" and we've got to move forward. Incredible insight from a young boy.
A stem cell transplant was the best option to try to beat his cancer the second time around.
Luc began treatment right away. He repeated a one-month cycle from his original leukemia treatment and also received an antibody for a month. This combination reduced the evidence of disease and his body was in the best possible position before his transplant. His parents are grateful to generous donors to the Foundation as research has advanced treatment for his type of cancer. New options were available that wouldn't have been just a few years earlier.
In mid-November, Luc's dad gave his son the ultimate gift - his stem cells. Luc will remain in the hospital until likely the end of December. Then he will continue his 100-day isolation at home surrounded by his parents and two adoring younger sisters.
The pandemic adds an additional level of complication and stress to Luc's recovery.
His family has to be hyper vigilant to keep him safe during the COVID crisis. They are in their own bubble and have their eye on next spring arriving with Luc as strong as he can be. In the meantime, this young hockey player and fan remains upbeat and focused on all that is good in his life.
This November marks the Winnipeg Jets' ninth Hockey Fights Cancer (HFC) campaign. Thanks to the generous support of fans, more than $850,000 has been raised over eight HFC campaigns to help local kids, just like Luc, receive care right in Manitoba. The pandemic may have put hockey on pause, but it has only created new obstacles for families experiencing the challenging journey of childhood cancer. Fans can support this year's virtual campaign by donating at
biggestfans.ca
or texting CARE to 20222 (to donate $10 or $20). Show your support and help to spread awareness by engaging with us on the Winnipeg Jets social channels at @NHLJets on
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