For over three years, Montreal Canadiens forward Brendan Gallagher demonstrated unwavering support for his mother, Della, throughout her battle with brain cancer, particularly during the NHL`s Hockey Fights Cancer campaigns. In a heartfelt gesture in 2022, Gallagher donned a purple Canadiens jersey during warmups, bearing a simple yet powerful message: `I Fight For Mom.`
This meaningful jersey was acquired by Canadiens supporter Lucie Lachance at an auction benefiting the Canadiens` Children`s Foundation in 2022. Gallagher`s Hockey Fights Cancer jersey held special significance, marking the final season the NHL permitted players to wear customized jerseys during warmups.
Della Gallagher`s initial prognosis upon being diagnosed with Stage 4 brain cancer in August 2021 was grim, with doctors estimating a life expectancy of six to 18 months. However, she bravely defied these odds, living for an inspiring three and a half years before passing away on March 8.
`I am immensely proud of her resilience and bravery. She was truly the best mother,` Brendan Gallagher expressed, emphasizing the importance of cherished memories. `In the end, you cherish the memories that you have.`
Upon learning of the passing of Gallagher`s mother, Lucie Lachance felt a compelling need to act.
`Looking at the jersey, I realized it was no longer mine; it rightfully belonged to him,` she recounted in a TVA Sports interview.
Lachance reached out to Gallagher via social media on Thursday, conveying her sentiments.
`I believe this jersey should be yours. You wore it in the 2022 warm-up, making it quite unique, much like your mom. If you would like to have it as a keepsake, it is definitely yours!` Lachance shared in her message.
To her surprise and delight, Gallagher responded and gratefully accepted her generous offer.
`Your kindness and thoughtfulness are deeply appreciated!` he replied, proposing a jersey exchange with Lachance on the ice following the Canadiens` game against the Carolina Hurricanes on April 16. This exchange would be part of a postgame tradition held after the team`s last regular-season home game.
As Lachance lacked tickets for the game, the Canadiens thoughtfully provided her with two tickets to ensure she could attend the regular-season finale.
`I am overwhelmed with positive emotions during a difficult time,` Lachance shared, highlighting the uplifting nature of the situation.
Gallagher, whose newborn daughter`s middle name pays tribute to both her grandmothers, affirmed that his mother`s memory would remain a constant presence in his life.
`Everything I am is because of her. Our bond was extraordinary. She will be deeply missed, but she remains with us always. Not a day will pass without me thinking of her,` he stated.
This sentiment was particularly poignant on Tuesday night following the Canadiens` victory over the Ottawa Senators. Gallagher scored an emotional empty-net goal in the 6-3 win, his first since his mother`s passing. In a touching tribute, he tapped his chest and looked heavenward after scoring.
`It struck me immediately that I couldn`t call her or share the moment with her,` he reflected.
Finding solace in hockey and the camaraderie of his teammates amidst Montreal`s unexpected playoff contention has been instrumental in Gallagher`s grieving process.
`Hockey is my sanctuary,` Gallagher explained. `When I am on the ice, everything else fades away.`
