Read Time: 3 minutes
Takeaways:
- The event created a strong sense of community by honoring cancer survivors Brody Rackham, Autumn Durham, and Samantha Murrell, and their families.
- The celebration raised funds for cancer research and educated fans about cancer risk factors and the importance of screening.
Impact: The Utah Mammoth and Huntsman Cancer Institute unite to honor cancer patients and their families and to support life-saving research in a celebration of hope and healing.
Under the bright lights of the Delta Center, 15-year-old Brody Rackham—currently undergoing treatment for rhabdomyosarcoma, the most common type of sarcoma in children and adolescents, stepped onto the ice for a ceremonial puck drop, cheered on by thousands of hockey fans. This unforgettable moment set the tone for Hockey Fights Cancer Night, where Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah teamed up with the Utah Mammoth, uniting the community in hope, remembrance and action.
“For Brody and our family, being honored at the Utah Mammoth game was incredibly uplifting,” said his mother, Holly Rackham. “Brody is such a positive kid. Chemotherapy and radiation can be taxing, and this experience has meant so much to us.” The Rackham family attended their first-ever hockey game that night and left as Mammoth fans.
The event recognized cancer patients, survivors, and their families. In its 27th season, Hockey Fights Cancer unifies the global hockey community through storytelling and meaningful events. The National Hockey League and the National Hockey League Players Association, launched the campaign to fund cancer research and educate fans about cancer risk, empowering them to take action to get screened for certain cancers.
Autumn Durham, a mother of two who was diagnosed with breast cancer just two weeks after finding out she was pregnant with her second child, was also recognized during the event. Durham attended with her husband and young sons, including her youngest, who recently celebrated his first birthday.
“Being honored tonight means more than I can put into words,” Durham shared. “My family and I have walked through incredibly heavy moments this past year, and to stand here together––healthy, hopeful, and celebrated––feels surreal. It reminds me that the fight is worth it.”
She added that the research being done at Huntsman Cancer Institute is the reason she could safely receive treatment and hopes that “fans remember how powerful cancer research truly is.” Durham continued, “The only reason I was able to receive lifesaving treatment while pregnant with my son was because of decades of research proving it could be done safely for both of us. Without that research, I might not be here today, and neither would he. Tonight isn't just about honoring my fight; it's about honoring the science and the people behind the breakthroughs that give families like mine a second chance.”
Throughout the night, there were several moving tributes. Samantha Murrell, who has stage 4 lung cancer, stood with Tusky, the Utah Mammoth mascot, while fans watched a special feature about her cancer journey on the jumbotron. “It means a lot to be honored,” she said. “It allows me to spread awareness that young people are getting lung cancer too. And because I love hockey so much, being honored at this sporting event makes it even more special.”
Utah Mammoth analyst Nick Olczyk shared his support for those facing cancer and spoke about his father’s successful journey through stage 3 colon cancer—culminating in a surprise appearance from his father, celebrated former NHL player and current broadcaster Eddie Olczyk, who was declared cancer-free in 2018. Hundreds of Huntsman Cancer Institute patients and their families attended the game.
The Utah Mammoth announcer invited fans to write the names of loved ones affected by cancer on “I Fight For” signs, and stand together in solidarity, creating a powerful visual tribute around the arena.
“This is why we do what we do,” said Bradley Cairns, PhD, CEO of Huntsman Cancer Institute, reflecting on the emotional moments throughout the evening. “Events like Hockey Fights Cancer show how sports and community organizations can come together to support something bigger than ourselves.”
This marks the second season that Huntsman Cancer Institute has collaborated with the Utah Mammoth for Hockey Fights Cancer, an unforgettable and inspiring night. Funds raised during the event will support Huntsman Cancer Foundation.
The event ended in celebration both on and off the ice with support for Huntsman Cancer Institute patients and life-saving research, and a 3-2 win for the Mammoth.
The critical research happening every day at Huntsman Cancer Institute is supported by the National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute, including cancer center support grant P30 CA042014, as well as Huntsman Cancer Foundation.
Media Contact
Heather Simonsen
Public Affairs Senior Manager
Huntsman Cancer Institute
801 581-3194
public.affairs@hci.utah.edu
About Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah
Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah is the National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center for Utah, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and Wyoming. With a legacy of innovative cancer research, groundbreaking discoveries, and world-class patient care, we are transforming the way cancer is understood, prevented, diagnosed, treated, and survived. Huntsman Cancer Institute focuses on delivering the most advanced cancer healing and prevention through scientific breakthroughs and cutting-edge technology to create pioneering cancer treatments beyond the standard of care today. We have more than 400 open clinical trials and more than 300 research teams studying cancer. More genes for inherited cancers have been discovered at Huntsman Cancer Institute than at any other cancer center. Our scientists are world-renowned for understanding how cancer begins and using that knowledge to develop innovative approaches to treat each patient’s unique disease. Huntsman Cancer Institute was founded by Jon M. and Karen Huntsman.