For Each Other

The fight against pediatric cancer has been one of the Blue Jackets Foundation’s primary areas of focus since the team’s inception in 2000.

Kids fighting cancer are our heroes and we support them by offering unique experiences and program funding. Some call it therapy through distraction, but most kids call it fun.

11,000+

PEDIATRIC CANCER PATIENTS RECEIVED CARE

$115,000+

RAISED THROUGH HOCKEY FIGHTS CANCER INITIATIVES

Hockey Fights Cancer

In coordination with the Blue Jackets’ Hockey Fights Cancer initiative, we were thrilled to continue our Heroes program which honors a group of kids fighting cancer. Our “Heroes” and their families are welcomed into the CBJ family through a number of unique experiences.

2024 Heroes Honored with Unique Bench Experience

During the team’s annual Hockey Fights Cancer Night, presented by OhioHealth, we introduced the 2024 class of Heroes who took part in memorable experiences such as watching pre-game warmups from the team bench! In addition, in collaboration with Flashes of Hope, each Hero participated in a special photo shoot with their families that captured images of courage, beauty and dignity.

Meet Our Heroes

Nationwide Children's Hospital Visit

Each season, Blue Jackets players take time to visit Nationwide Children’s Hospital, where they met with young patients undergoing treatment and engaged in activities that promote therapeutic benefits through unique experiences. During this heartwarming visit, the players handed out Courage Kits to nearly 150 children, each packed with items designed to brighten their day and inspire courage.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio

The Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio has recently completed its largest expansion project to date, with the goal of serving 6,500 families each year. The Blue Jackets Foundation and Lady Jackets played a significant role in the renovation, especially the transformation of the Blue Jackets Zone and Princess Room.

These specifically-designed spaces within the house offer families a much-needed retreat and provides children with space to simply be kids. The Blue Jackets have a longstanding relationship with RMHC, including support of the Helping Hands program, which has provided nearly 500 nights of rest to families of seriously ill children.

Hockey Fights Cancer hits home for Adam Fantilli

Blue Jackets forward, Adam Fantilli’s dedication to Hockey Fights Cancer is profoundly meaningful to him, as it stems from his grandmother’s battle with cancer. To honor her and support the cause, he donated autographed custom lavender shoes to the Hockey Fights Cancer auction.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital Marathon Mile Champions

Twenty-four patients from Nationwide Children’s Hospital are selected to represent each mile of the race, sharing their stories and inspiring others. Prior to the race, Bryce and Zavier, two Champions with Blue Jackets-themed miles, had a great time watching a home game from the Z-Suite.

Butterfly Paws

Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski generously donated $28,000 to the Butterfly Paws program at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. This new initiative focuses on providing comfort, joy and therapeutic support to patients, families and staff through the companionship of specially-trained facility and therapy dogs.

table with baseball caps on it with the letters CBJ

Hats for Heroes

The Hats for Heroes initiative, which features limited edition designs each season, allows The 5th Line to assist in the team’s fight against cancer. The longstanding collaboration with the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #9 gives a boost to the program’s success. Proceeds from hat sales make a substantial impact on the Foundation’s efforts to fund various support programs for pediatric cancer patients and their families in central Ohio.