I've been a member of Canes Country for almost a year now and I have to say this crew has a ton of "fight" in them. I attended the Hockey Fights Cancer game for more than just one reason. First, part of the ticket price went straight to the American Cancer Society. Second, I'm a co-captain for a local Relay for Life team. Third, I lost two of my grandparents to cancer and I'm ready to "Fight for a Cure" so others don't have to experience that battle.  (I am reminded of Ruutu's "what do you mean LOOK like a gladiator" speech)

Absolutely no pressure on anyone here, but I just wanted to say that I am so proud to enjoy and love a sport so much that puts the needs of others in front of themselves. The recent visits to the hospitals, shopping, and collecting food are just more examples of such.

As a fan and a co-captain I'm doing my part in the fight against cancer. I invite you to help me by donating to my team. My challenge is to all of you, make a difference. If not with my team, somewhere. Happy Holidays and the link to help my team is below if you're interested.

Help my Relay for Life Team as We are "Fighting for a Cure"

I have been a co-captain for my local Relay for Life team in Lee county for several years now and I cannot think of a better way to remember my grandparents who lost their fight to lung cancer. I thought of this challenge when the Canes began to look like they were out of the playoffs. I realized that even without the playoffs there are still things we can do to celebrate, challenge, and enjoy the excitement of hockey. 

My challege to the Canes Country nation is to donate to my Relay for Life team and show others what Caniac fans stand for. It is not just about the Cup (which is great) or the wins (which are also great), but it is about the passion we all feel about one of our favorite teams and sports!

When I told my friends about my idea they just said, "Oh ok" but I know that they don't pull for our guys the way you all (and I) do. Let's show them how much we care! 

The first challenge is easy: I challenge each of you to give $10 in honor of the Canes this season.

The second challenge is fun: Pledge to donate at least $1 for each of our guys going to the Olympics and then one more $1 for each point they score -Tim Gleason (USA), Eric Staal (CAN), Joni Pitkanen (FIN), and Tuomo Ruutu(FIN)

So, are you a Caniac enough to rise to the challenge? My total donations so far for the Canes is $47, a $1 for every point they have scored so far this season. I understand that's a lot to commit to individually which is why I'm doing the first two challenges. Please join me in the fight to find a cure for cancer and at the same time celebrate our guys heading to the Olympics!

(Please leave a comment if you're in for any of the challenges.)

While this season has not gone as we had hoped, we are all looking forward to the upcoming Olympics. In honor of the naming of three of our players to the Olympics, I am creating the 2010 Sisu Olympic Challenge.

Here's how I'm going to meet the challenge. For each point any of our Olympians: Tuomo Ruutu, Eric Staal, and Joni Pitkanen score, I am going to donate $1.00 to my Relay for Life team.

I'm challenging each of you to join me! I've already got Bob on board w/ the $1 challenge.

You can donate by visiting my Relay for Life participant page. 

So, are you in?

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You may be wondering why I'm picking this event to focus on for my fundraising. It's easy really. Wikipedia defines Sisu as:

"...strength of will, determination, perseverance, and acting rationally in the face of adversity...it is not momentary courage, but the ability to sustain an action against the odds. Deciding on a course of action and the sticking to that decision against repeated failures."

Sisu describes Tuomo Ruutu, Eric Staal, and Joni Pitkanen. Sisu also describes what it takes to be a cancer survivor. What better way to give back than to raise money for the Relay for Life as they work to find a cure for cancer. I not only have friends who are currently battling cancer, I have lost loved ones as well. This is my way of remembering and honoring them, and enjoying one of my favorite sports at the same time! 

Fellow Caniacs,

I'm challenging myself, and in turn welcoming anyone else to join me, to use the Canes success as a way to raise money for my Relay for Life team.

For each point earned in the standing prior to May 1, I am going to donate $1. (I'm pre-donating $27 for our points thus far. My plan is to donate each week or month an updated amount - hoping it's a lot meaning we're doing well!)

For each point scored by our Canes in the Olympics, I am going to donate $1. (Tuomo Ruutu, Joni Pitkanen, and Eric Staal.)

Feel free to join this challenge or to make one of your own. If not for my Relay for Life team, another close to you or a friend participating in a charity event. Hockey is team sport and so is the Relay For Life. Let's go teams!

To visit my Relay for Life page, visit http://main.acsevents.org/goto/nccaniacfan