The Pittsburgh Penguins Team Up with UPMC Cancer Centers to Raise Funds and Awareness

In recognition of Hockey Fights Cancer Awareness Month, hosted by the National Hockey League (NHL), the Pittsburgh Penguins participated in a league-wide initiative to raise money for and awareness of cancer. UPMC Cancer Centers joined the Penguins on Oct. 20 to celebrate Hockey Fights Cancer Awareness Night during the Pens 5 to 1 victory over the St. Louis Blues.

Fans were greeted at the door by the “fan patrol” dressed in lavender t-shirts to collect money for the event. They tossed free “Hockey Fights Cancer” t-shirts with UPMC Cancer Centers’ logos into the crowd during the game, while the player’s wives passed out pink breast cancer pins and pink carnations to the first 3,000 ladies. Fans who visited the UPMC Cancer Centers booth at Gate 1 received a rally towel with “Let’s Go Pens!” and the UPMC Cancer Centers’ logo, as well as Hillman Cancer Center tote bags with cancer education information. Fans also viewed a recorded message during the game from local cancer survivors treated at UPMC Cancer Centers.

Hockey Fights Cancer is a joint initiative founded in December 1998 by the NHL and the National Hockey League Players’ Association to raise money and awareness for hockey’s most important fight. It is supported by NHL Member Clubs, NHL Alumni, the NHL Officials’ Association, Professional Hockey Trainers and Equipment Managers, corporate marketing partners, broadcast partners, and fans throughout North America. To date, more than $10.5 million has been raised to support national and local cancer research institutions, Children’s Hospitals, player charities, and local cancer organizations.

Three UPMC Cancer Centers cancer patients attended Hockey Fights Cancer Awareness Night on Oct. 20 during the Pittsburgh Penguins vs. St. Louis Blues game and appeared in a recorded message during the game.

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