ST. LOUIS - Friends has been loving the hockey season this winter! First, we were the beneficiary of the St. Louis Blues' Annual Holiday Card, which was designed by nine patients in our Art Therapyprogram: Dominic Caputa, William Carter, Chris Ewens, Jacob Harder, Daniel Johnson, Tayvion Jones, Brandon Morris and Brian Ott. Being chosen also meant a $10,000 donation to Friends!
Also, among the many tickets the Blues have donated for kids to see the games, two children were given the opportunity to ride the Zamboni out onto the ice!
The Blues took nominations this spring for the first ever Jr. Blue for a Day program, taking a girl and a boy who have fought through adversity and given back to the community. Friends nominated two kids who were very deserving: Brian Ott, a Blues superfan who has fought through seven years of treatment for cancer and Payton McDonnal, who has given of her time and abilities to charity after losing her sister, Lauren, to cancer. They were treated like hockey stars for the day, receiving a personalized jersey and even signing a contract! They attended practice, hung out in the locker room and watched the game from the Blues Suite that night. They were given signed hockey sticks, pucks and met many of the players.
"We are so thankful for our relationship with the St. Louis Blues organization and the 14 Fund," said
Judy Ciapciak, Executive Director. "They are a genuine group who open their arms and hearts to help kids with cancer...be kids!"
Also, thank you to Renah Jones, who isn't skating for the Blues but works just as hard as players do on the ice.
