Mason Sesak with Martin St. Louis jersey from his visit with the NHL player.

Within the past year, Believe has flown two young cancer patients to NHL games in Canadian cities, to experience what it’s like to meet their heroes up front and in person, and catch the thrill and excitement of a professional game. The two boys and accompanying family members stories are highlighted below.

Mason Sesak, a friendly, freckle faced 12 year old cancer survivor, who just so happens to love hockey too, knows what it means to go “B.I.G. or go home!” Mason flew into Toronto with his family last spring and not only watched two games at the Air Canada Centre, but toured the facility and took in the sights as well, including the Hockey Hall of Fame and the CN Tower! Mason and Todd coincidentally share the same favorite NHL player and while there to watch the Toronto Maple Leafs play the Tampa Bay Lightening and Calgary Flames in weekend games, Mason had the extraordinary opportunity to spend some time with Martin St. Louis of the Lightning.

Eight-year-old Dane Hantscher has a truly amazing Believe spirit! Diagnosed with Leukemia in January, 2009, the remainder of his ’09 hockey season was wiped out and although he was devastated, it didn’t keep him down for long. Despite the rigors of regular chemotherapy treatments, which weakened his body and especially his legs, Dane didn’t want to miss another season! This past fall, he was allowed to take part in try-outs and he made his 8-A1 hockey team – the highest level he can compete at! As Dane’s strength has improved, so has his stride and skating legs. Dane is currently playing defense for the Richmond Kings in Winnipeg.