New York Islanders fans remember Mike Bossy not just as a legend on the ice, but as a hero off it. Though we lost him too soon, Bossy's memory and influence continue to inspire, transcending his glory days on Long Island.
Mike Bossy, the all-time leading scorer for the Islanders and a Hall-of-Famer, passed away on April 15, 2022, at the age of 65 after a courageous battle with lung cancer. It started with back and knee pains in 2019, initially misdiagnosed as arthritis. By the time the real culprit was found—stage 4 lung cancer—it had already spread throughout his body. In October 2021, Bossy went public with his diagnosis and stepped away from his role as an analyst with TVA Sports Network. The news was heartbreaking for Isles Nation and hockey fans worldwide who admired one of the purest goal scorers of his generation.
Determined to turn their grief into action, Bossy's family launched the Mike Bossy Memorial Fund. His wife Lucie and daughters Tanya and Josiane aim to tackle the stigma surrounding lung cancer and raise awareness about the disease. The Fund supports the Quebec Cancer Screening Program and educational initiatives for both patients and doctors.
"On the ice, Mike Bossy will remain one of the greatest hockey players ever to lace on a pair of skates," said Bryan Trottier, a former teammate. "Off the ice, I think Mike's legacy is going to be early detection and early screening for lung cancer."
Trottier spent precious time with Bossy during his final days, witnessing his friend's bravery firsthand. Bossy's daughters, driven by their father's strength, are channeling their anger over the late diagnosis into a mission to help others. "We identify patients at risk of lung cancer, and even if you do not have symptoms, at a certain age, you go and get the scan every year," explained Tanya, emphasizing the importance of early detection.
Lung cancer is the second most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women. Early diagnosis can significantly improve patient outcomes, which is why the Bossy family's mission is so critical.
Mike Bossy achieved all his goals on the ice and now, through his family, he continues to set ambitious goals off it. The Mike Bossy Memorial Fund stands as a testament to his enduring legacy, striving to save lives through awareness and early detection.
Join the cause and help spread the word about lung cancer screening. Together, we can honor Mike Bossy's legacy and make a difference in the fight against lung cancer.
Related Topics: Bill Walton dies at 71; Maria Bello weds Chef Dominique Crenn; Hollywoodmourns Jean-Paul Vignon; David Potts wins Big Brother; Princess Kate Middletonundergoes chemotherapy.
0 Comments