Worcester – The Seventh Annual Skating for Hope will be held on Friday, April 26, 6 p.m. through Saturday, April 27 at 6 p.m. at the Worcester Ice Center, 104 Harding St., Worcester.
This 24-hour long fundraiser was founded by cancer survivor and Westborough native David McGrath, who was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor during his senior year of high school at St. John’s in Shrewsbury. After six rounds of chemotherapy treatments, his tumor disappeared, and since then he has dedicated his life to helping those fighting cancer.
“Skating for Hope is a way people can have fun and fight cancer at the same time. Even if you can’t skate, you can volunteer, win a raffle prize, watch hockey games, or meet special guests,” McGrath said.
This year’s Skating for Hope features Worcester native Paul “Dr. Hook” D’Amato from the movie “Slap Shot,” the author of “Goon,” Doug Smith, whose life was the basis of the movie “Goon,” Arthur from the Massachusetts Pirates, Star Wars characters from the 501st Garrison, members of the Assumption College hockey team, a demonstration from the Marlborough Curling Club, and other special guests.
McGrath is the former night manager of Hope Lodge, where patients receiving cancer treatments at local hospitals could stay. He started Skating for Hope six years ago, raising $75,000, with funds helping patients at Hope Lodge, The Neely House, and UMass Memorial Hospital.
“I’ve been amazed at all the support Skating for Hope has received over the years, and been happy with the way it has grown and the people that return year after year,” McGrath said. “Even though Hope Lodge was closed in 2017, I’m excited to help cancer patients at UMass, where I was treated for my brain cancer.”
Skating for Hope is currently securing sponsorships and looking for more volunteers, skaters, and players.
Admission is free; $10 to skate and $50 to play hockey. For more information visit www.skatingforhope.org.
