11/22/2024
Meet Kai and his brothers. They attended Hockey Fights Cancer night at the Dallas Stars game last night. They were guests of the off-ice offials, and the Hoffen Foundation. As part of the Zebra Cares program, they got to meet the officials before the game. The rest of the night went like this: the officials gave some fun stuff to the boys including some hats, a water bottle and a jersey for Kai. This was the first night out for Kai after a lengthy stay at Cook Children's Hospital going through cancer treatments. It was suggested we go by the ice for pictures and the two referees let the the two brothers wear their game sweaters. Halfway through pictures one referee asked for a pen and signs his jersey then hands the pen to the rest of the crew. As all four signed both jerseys many of us knew we were seeing something special. the two referees gave their jerseys to the family and skated in the spare sweaters. The boys wore their game worn jerseys the rest of the night and cheered their new friends every time a penalty was called. Part of Kai's adventure also included pictures on the Zamboni, with the Ice Girls and watching warm ups at ice level. At the seats we made our "I Fight For" signs for Kai and a camera man saw us and Kai and the boys found themselves on the Jumbotron. Victor E Green came by for a visit too and played with Kai and gave him a puck. Day to day struggles were put aside for one day for this family and the joy and laughter on the faces of Dad and the boys were priceless. Thanks to the off ice crew for donating tickets, the Dallas Stars for donating parking, the ice crew for letting us learn about the Zamboni, the Dallas Ice Girls for letting us interrupt their practice, Victor E. Green for making a 7 year old kid smile like he hasn't in a long time, and especially the officials for the game for literally giving the shirts off their backs! A lot of people stepped up for this family. Dad said this was a day they will never forget. Neither will us at the Hoffen Foundation. We we all touched last night. Thanks to so many for Giving this family "A Ray of Hope"
