Westborough – Brain cancer survivor Dave McGrath, a native of Westborough and resident of Worcester, will be joined by former NHL referee Paul Stewart, the Bruins Ice Girls, and hockey enthusiasts working to eradicate cancer at the Skating for Hope skate-a-thon Saturday July 30 at Buffone Arena, 284 Lake Ave., Worcester.
The goal of this family-friendly event is to raise funds for, and awareness of, the American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge in Worcester, a resource for cancer patients to access free, temporary housing during treatment in local hospitals.
McGrath, an American Cancer Society employee, will ice skate for 24 hours July 30-31. His hope is to eventually raise $1 million to support Hope Lodge services.
“When life gave me brain cancer at age 18, and simultaneously took the lives of young friends and other relatives, as well as former Hope Lodge guests, I could only come up with one choice: fight back,” McGrath said. “This event is one weapon in that fight, and I hope the money we raise here will provide much needed support to cancer patients and their families.”
At this time, Skating for Hope is welcoming hockey players, skaters and supporters to sign up to skate, or pledge to support a skater. Non-skaters and families are welcome to attend any or all of the fun events planned. Former NHL referee and cancer survivor Paul Stewart will officiate the Boston College Alumni hockey game at 1 p.m. For a full schedule and more information, visit www.skatingforhope.myevent.com.
