On Friday, December 22, 2023, the Senior Blues hockey team hosted a fundraiser game with proceeds going towards Madison Butler, the 14-month-old daughter of Brittany Mahussier and Cole Butler from Porcupine Plain.
At just nine months old, when a large brain tumor was discovered, Madison was diagnosed with Grade 3 Anaplastic Ependymoma (Type-A) Brain Cancer. Madison had surgery in August 2023 to remove the tumor. Following surgery, the family made several trips to Saskatoon for appointments and MRIs to come up with a treatment plan. Unfortunately, Madison is too young to receive the photon radiation offered in Canada and, due to the fast-growing nature of this type of cancer, waiting was not an option. As a result, Madison needed to go to Chicago for six weeks of proton therapy radiation, which delivers a more precise beam of radiation. The family has since made two trips to Chicago — one for planning and scans, and another a few weeks later for treatment. Madison has done amazing through each obstacle she’s encountered, but her fight is far from over. This family is looking at ongoing medical and travel expenses for the rest of Madison’s life.
A Teddy Bear Toss was arranged for the evening and, at the time of the Blues’ first goal – which occurred just 37 seconds into the game – the teddy bears flew! Teddy bears were available for purchase prior to the game, with funds benefiting Madison’s family; the bears were collected following the Teddy Bear Toss, with new bears being donated to Jim Pattison’s Children’s Hospital and used teddies going to Salvation Army & Food Banks.
The night began with an announcement that the Hudson Bay Hunters donated $1,000 to Madison and her family, demonstrating the amazing support that the hockey community gives. The evening offered live and silent auction items generously donated by the community, as well as a $5,000 Guaranteed 50/50 sponsored by Prosoils and Quikshift Mechanical. The 50/50 take-home was $8,130 and the big winner, Ray Moroz, donated all of it back — splitting the pot equally three ways between Madison, Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, and the Senior Blues.
It was an incredible evening at Chase Place Arena — the Blues played one heck of a game, coming out with a 5-3 win, and the community rallying and raising a total of $64,329.50 to support Madison and her family.