Brian Savage knows first-hand the heart-breaking impact cancer can have on Canadians.
Throughout his hockey career, which included playing for the Montreal Canadians, St. Louis Blues and the Philadelphia Flyers, Savage has supported various cancer charities - but a little over half way into his career, his connection to the cause became deeply personal.
In 2000, Savage's niece, Megan, was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of six. After a three-year battle, Megan ultimately lost her fight.
“It really hit our family hard,” Savage said, in a phone interview with Sudbury.com.
Three years after Megan’s passing, Savage's brother, Mike, was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Savage took leave from playing with the Flyers to be with his brother as he underwent surgery.
After learning of Mike’s low chance of survival, Savage decided to retire from professional hockey so he could care for his brother.
Mike died months later at the age of 42.
“We've had our share of sadness in our family, that's for sure,” Savage said.
It's the deaths of his niece and brother that will bring him back to Sudbury in June to participate in the Canadian Cancer Society's Sudbury Relay for Life event.
It takes place on June 16 at Laurentian University from 6 p.m. to midnight.
“When Cathy Burns (unit manager, Canadian Cancer Society Sudbury) approached me to see if I could help, I told her right away I'd help out in any way I could,” Savage said.
“I participated in Relay for Life when it was a 24-hour event, but I haven't been back in town for it to be able to participate. This will be the first summer I've had a chance to help out.”
Savage said it's a great way to come back to the city.
“I know a lot of people in Sudbury who have had cancer,” he said. “We're going to honour those that we've lost, and celebrate the survivors, and raise as much money as we can to find the cure.
“I'm really looking forward to talking with participants and hearing their stories. Some will be sad stories, but others will be happy. So, get a team together, come out and see us, and help us raise some funds.”
