Chicago Area Hockey Club Raises Money to Fight Cancer

by Maggie Korneta, Reporter, The Beat

The Chicago Mission Girls Hockey Club held a fundraiser in January to raise money to fight cancer. (photo credit / Maggie Korneta)

BENSENVILLE – The Chicago Mission girls hockey club hosted its 12th annual Pink in the Rink fundraiser earlier this month.

“Over the past 12 years, a total of $365,000 has been raised for Pink in the Rink,” said team captain Josey Dunne. “All of the money is donated to the American Cancer Society, in order to find a cure.”

Coach Tony Cache has been able to support the event since its inception.

“The event was started by a U19 player 12 years ago, who decided that she wanted to do something for breast cancer awareness,” said Cache. “That player single-handedly planned it and put it together, and since then it’s grown to what it is today, and it’s become a major part of the mission schedule, and now all four teams participate.”

(photo credit / Maggie Korneta)

The event took on more meaning for Cache in the last two years since he was diagnosed with cancer. “When we first started the program, I probably, like everyone else, thought this wasn’t going to affect me personally,” said Cache. “It may affect people I care about, but not me. Well, two years ago I got the call, and the event takes on a lot more meaning when you’re in the in the ring fighting. It’s been it’s been very inspirational to see the Mission family support the event, support me personally. This is one of my favorite days of the year now, and I hope to be here next year.”

The club was able to raise over $40,000, and they hope to raise more next year. For more information or to donate, visit chicagomission.com.