Every now and then, we are reminded that life, even for NHL players, is more than just hockey. Nearly everyone has someone in their lives that has been affected by cancer. For me, I've a number of my family members and friends have either battled cancer or have had loved ones and members of their immediate family battle cancer. Those who have been through it will tell you the treatments can be nearly as bad as the disease itself. For someone going through a fight for their life, it's amazing how much of a difference a simple act of kindness can make. Thanks to Mitch Marner, one woman learned first-hand what an act of kindness from a Toronto Maple Leaf is like.
In a post by Instagram user Shaes_life1, she tells the story of how her aunt Laura, who is a huge fan of Marner and the Leafs, was planning to wear her Mitch Marner jersey to all of her cancer treatments. Her story somehow made it to Marner's eyes and ears. The Leafs' homegrown superstar decided to send her a signed jersey - and not just any jersey - a Maple Leafs Hockey Fights Cancer jersey with a personalized signature.
With the jersey, Marner also sent a video, telling Laura that he would be cheering as hard for her as she's been cheering for him and the Leafs. It's a touching story, and one that reminds us that hockey is far from the most important thing these players do. Our hats off to Marner, and our sincerest well wishes go out to Laura and her family during what we all know is an extremely difficult time. Kudos to Marner for lifting up Laura and her family's spirits on over the holidays.
