Edited to add:
You know, so much of blogging and social media is about branding and self-promotion- the look-at-me look-at-me. Can we take a minute to talk about others today? Please help spread the word about this cause. Good karma comes to those who help, even if it’s in a small way. Thank you!
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I didn’t hear about this until we got back from our holiday. If you live in Ottawa I’m sure you heard about it.
René Faucher, a 40-year-old father of three, was playing a pickup hockey game at the University of Ottawa Sports Complex when he hit a rut and crashed headfirst into the boards. The impact resulted in a serious spinal injury, leaving him paralyzed from the chest down.
Doctors are seeing signs of improvement - he’s off the respirator and I heard that he’s gaining some feeling in his fingers - but he’s going to be under medical care for a long time.
What makes this story particularly devastating to me is that this is the kind of thing that could happen to anyone. I’m not a hockey player, but I certainly skate, many of us here in Ottawa do. So many of us have been there, lacing up our skates, taking turns around a rink, indoors or out. It’s an undeniable part of our national fabric. This could have been me, or you, or one of our kids.
Faucher and his wife Dianne Douglas have three children under the age of five. He is self-employed and does not have long-term disability insurance.
René’s friends and colleagues are rallying and raising funds for him and his family.
I was thrilled to hear that the Ottawa 67’s are hosting a René Faucher Family Fun Day on February 7th at 2:00pm. (Yay 67′S!) Half of all proceeds from advanced online ticket sales and walk-in traffic purchased in René’s name will be donated to the family. Please use this special link to purchase tickets ahead of time.
Families are encouraged to come out to the game in support of René and his family, watch the game and send them their well wishes.
Event organizers will be sharing pictures and messages with René and all his supporters during the game via Twitter. Whether you’re at the game or not, you can tweet René before, during and after the game by including #getwellrene in your message.
There’ll also be a table set up in the concourse where you can get your photo taken and sign a get-well 67’s flag.
If you can’t make the game you can can donate to the fund online or at Scotiabank. For more information on how to donate to the family, please visit www.faucherdouglastrustfund.com/ or join the Friends of René Faucher Facebook group.
My family will be at the game on Sunday. I hope yours will be too! If you see us, please stop by and say hello!
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