Pediatrics Community & Giving

April 13, 2023

Predators’ support in battling childhood cancer stays strong

The Nashville Predators, including retired goalie Pekka Rinne, recently visited Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt to present hospital leaders with the proceeds raised throughout the year from the team’s 365 Pediatric Cancer Fund presented by Twice Daily.

By: Christina Echegaray
Child ambassador Brody Reiner drops the puck at the Hockey Fights Cancer game March 25. Brody, a patient of Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, is joined on the ice by retired goalie Pekka Rinne, Predators player Colton Sissons, left, and Seattle Kraken player Yanni Gourde.
Child ambassador Brody Reiner drops the puck at the Hockey Fights Cancer game March 25. Brody, a patient of Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, is joined on the ice by retired goalie Pekka Rinne, Predators player Colton Sissons, left, and Seattle Kraken player Yanni Gourde. (photo by John Russell)

For more than a decade, the Nashville Predators hockey team has scored lots of assists against one of the toughest opponents — childhood cancer.

In a continued show of support, the Nashville Predators, including retired goalie Pekka Rinne, recently visited Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt to present hospital leaders with the proceeds raised throughout the year from the team’s 365 Pediatric Cancer Fund presented by Twice Daily. The Nashville Predators Foundation, empowered by SmileDirectClub, recognized the $400,365.23 in cash and in-kind donations raised during a celebration at Monroe Carell.

Retired Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne during a recent visit with patients in Seacrest Studio at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
Retired Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne during a recent visit with patients in Seacrest Studio at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. (photo by Erin O. Smith)

The funds are used to support pediatric cancer research, to identify new ways of curing childhood cancer and to deliver these treatments in an optimal way for each child.

Patients were also treated to a special visit with Rinne in Seacrest Studio at Monroe Carell. The visit was on the eve of a much-anticipated unveiling of his commemorative statue on the plaza at Bridgestone Arena. Many patients wanted to know how Rinne felt about having a life-sized bronze statue of himself. He was also joined by Predators mascot Gnash.

During his time with the team, Rinne, along with the Nashville Predators organization, supported Monroe Carell patients through philanthropy and made many hospital visits, in person and virtually. Rinne and former Predators’ captain Shea Weber also helped create the 365 Pediatric Cancer Fund presented by Twice Daily to raise funds and awareness for pediatric cancer.

“As we enter our 10th year of partnership, we are truly grateful for the support of the Nashville Predators and Hockey Fights Cancer. Over the last decade, the 365 Fund collectively raised over $4 million in donations and in-kind contributions to advance research and improve outcomes for our patients with childhood cancer,” said Meg Rush, MD, MMHC, President of Monroe Carell. “None of this would be possible without the foresight and generosity of 365 Fund founders Pekka Rinne and Shea Weber. We were thrilled to welcome our long-time friend and supporter Pekka back to Monroe Carell in celebration of all he has done for the children we serve.”

The Nashville Predators host two Hockey Fights Cancer games each season with the goal to raise money for the 365 Pediatric Cancer Fund. At Hockey Fights Cancer games child ambassadors are invited to the game not only to take part in a luxury suite experience but also to participate in special in-game activities like the puck drop, riding the Zamboni and much more. The most recent Hockey Fights Cancer game was March 25.