May 26 is Cancer round and an important date on the Melbourne Mustangs calendar raising awareness and funds for cancer research. This season the theme is Hodgkin’s Lymphoma which player Steve Belic recently battled.
Every person has been touched by cancer, from partners, parents or friends it has impacted the lives of everyone.
Futhermore, Mustangs players Adrian Nash and Belic took to the clubs social media recently to tell their stories. A touching and inspiring moment from both players
This year the Mustangs are teaming up with Rebecca Jennings, a cancer survive and founder of Puck Cancer – Aussie Hockey Fights Cancer.
Jennings is hoping to raise $5000 through Cancer Council Victoria selling stickers and donations.
“There’s no personal gain for me other than the joy of seeing a simple idea affecting people positively,” Jennings told Hockey Hype Australia.
“I know the money that we raise from this is going towards the future of cancer treatment and prevention and that is powerful.
“The Cancer Council helped me and my family when I needed it, so I guess this is my way of paying it forward in a sense.”
What started as a social media message, soon grew to Jennings being involved in the Mustangs Cancer round.
After reaching out to the Mustangs Jennings was invited to become an important part of the day.
“I got in contact with the Mustangs via their social media team and asked them if they would be comfortable with me potentially coming to a game or two and selling the stickers to raise money for the Cancer Council,” continued Jennings.
“The Mustangs responded pretty much straight away and suggested we collaborate on the idea by having me come along to the Cancer round this month.
“They’ve also helped get the word out there about Aussie Hockey Fights Cancer, which has been great.”
Diagnosed with bowel Cancer in May 2023, Jennings’ life was turned upside down. Treatments and surgeries followed, affecting work life and the ability to play hockey.
Hockey was the light at the end of the tunnel for Jennings, and with that, Aussie Hockey Fights Cancer was born.
“In May of last year, I was diagnosed with bowel cancer,” said Jennings.
“During the past year due to various treatment regimes and surgeries, I haven’t been able to work or play hockey but I wanted to put the little energy that I did have into something positive.
“So I came up with Aussie Hockey Fights Cancer because the thought of getting back into playing hockey again was the light at the end of the tunnel and it kept me going through some pretty rough times.
“I had a teammate who is a graphic designer [shout out to Jayne Burgess] come up with a few designs and then had them turned into stickers.
“I was initially planning on selling a small number of them at beer league, but the idea took off when I put it on Instagram and a lot of people in the hockey community across Australia wanted to get involved and donate.”
What started as a simple idea quickly turned into an Australia-wide fundraiser. Hockey fans from across the country wanting to donate, buy a sticker and support the cause.
Over $3000 has been raised through awareness and support from the hockey community. Highlighting the importance of these initiatives.
“It’s important because I want to continue to raise awareness and funds for cancer in a way that is simple,” said Jennings.
“I’ve had messages from a number of folks saying how important this is to them as cancer has either affected them personally or someone close to them.
“All funds go towards the Cancer Council which is important because they are critical in raising cancer awareness and they play a huge role in research, prevention and support for those with cancer and their families.”
A hockey player and Mustangs fan, getting the opportunity to collaborate with the club was a double win for Jennings.
The excitement was noticeable when talking about what the hockey community means to them.
“I’ve always been a fan of ice hockey, and started playing it a number of years ago,” Jennings said with excitement. “it became my happy place and the friends and family I have made from this sport will be with me forever.”
“I’m also a Mustangs fan so I was absolutely chuffed when they got back to me and wanted to work together!”
To donate and support Aussie Hockey Fights Cancer click here.
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