Joe Roberts looks down the ice at the developing play as he heads to the bench for a shift change in the first hour of Face Off Against Cancer hockey game.

Cancer is one of the most devastating diseases on the planet that doesn’t only affect the patient, but families and loved ones around them. The Canadian Cancer Society helps as much as they can in supporting families fight of such a devastating illness.

Events are organized year round in order to bring in donations to help fund research in finding a cure of what affects millions. Face Off Against Cancer was one of the most recent events which sees donors play in a 24-hour hockey game.

Joe Roberts, who played in the game has had cancer touch his family over the years. Recently it hit closer to home so instead played for someone closest to his heart.

“My wife’s family has her aunt, her grandfather, her great grandma, grandma, and probably just a little bit ago she was diagnosed with breast cancer herself,” said Roberts after playing through the first hour of hockey.

Roberts wife Melissa wasn’t able to attend the game after recently going through surgery earlier in the week. The hockey game didn’t come close to the comparison of what Roberts’ wife was going through, but found her strength and support of the community helps them through the process.

“She’s been a trooper, but the support we’ve gotten from the local cancer centers and the amazing support we get from doctors and all the information we can get now is fantastic,” added Roberts.

This attitude spreads towards others in the game and Lindsay French, the event organizer, explained how participants can have a small realization of what cancer patients go through.

“That’s why we really like doing this event. It’s a cool way for people to come and kind of experience the ups and downs and just a fun game to be a part of,” said French who is proud of the turnout and record amount of this year’s donations.

This year’s event raised $42,185 for lung cancer research which is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canada, according to the society.

Roberts and his wife found it tough to share the news with the people close to them, but found the community support showed they weren’t in it alone.

“It’s a private thing. We told friends and family and word got around and eventually we just told everybody and the support has been outstanding,” said Roberts who was this year’s opening ceremonies speaker to share their family’s story.

Fundraisers like this continue throughout the year with focus more so during the month of October as it is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The hope is to start more events that get more people involved.
“It’s to expand it into other sports as well if we’re able to actually get people in who do something besides hockey, maybe having a 24-hour soccer game going on the same time. Just to reach a broader amount of the community,” said French.

Donations are accepted any time of the year and the public can volunteer for events happening in the Lethbridge area. To find more information you can check their website cancer.ca