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The National Hockey League's
Hockey Fights Cancer foundation was founded in 1998, while John Cullen and I were battling with forms of cancer; colon cancer in my case and non-Hodgkins lymphoma in John's. Mario Lemieux's successful battle with lymphoma was also a source of inspiration for the creation of HFC.
On an annual basis, October is Hockey Fights Cancer month in the NHL, with a designated special night in every team's home arena. Please consider donating to the cause.
Last week, I spoke with broadcaster and longtime former NHL player and coach Ed Olczyk, who is battling colon cancer. There is a very specific reason why I waited to reach out to Ed, and also waited before contacting others both in and and of the game who've been locked in cancer battles.
From personal experience, I know that cancer treatments are very draining. You feel lousy, and you feel tired. While you are very appreciative of people's support and concern for you, it can be tough to repeatedly talk about what's been happening with your treatment and the prognosis. Sometimes, you don't feel up to seeing visitors or even speaking by phone.
This is why I often tell people dealing with cancer that, if I can offer my support or advocacy, to please let me know how they feel is the best way to go about communication. Apart from in-person visits and phone calls, I've done it by e-mail/letters or by staying in contact with someone's spouse or kids. It all depends on what the cancer patient feels up to doing and their personal preferences.
We have had many cancer survivors in hockey: Mario, John, Saku Koivu, Milos Holan, Olli Maatta and many others. I wish nothing but the best for Brian Boyle as well as Edzo in their current battles. While we celebrate the survivors, we should also not forget the many fine men and women we've lost to cancer: Bryan Murray, Dave Strader, Pat Burns, Roger Neilson, Barry Ashbee, Fred Shero and far too many others.
Keep up the fight.
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Paul Stewart holds the distinction of being the first U.S.-born citizen to make it to the NHL as both a player and referee. On March 15, 2003, he became the first American-born referee to officiate in 1,000 NHL games.
Blogger •Former NHL Referee • 
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