Zebras Care in LA
Monday, December 07, 2009
Los Angelas
On Thursday, December 3, 2009 - prior to the game between the Ottawa Senators and the Los Angelas Kings, the four Officials working the game, Referees Dan O'Halloran and Don Van Massenhoven and Linesmen Jean Morin and Lyle Seitz had the extreme pleasure to meet with Make A Wish Ambassador Rachael Gottes, her sister, mother, and father, as part of the NHL Officials Zebras Care Charitable Foundation.
Pictured above [L-R] are Rachael's Dad, Don Van Massenhoven, Lyle Seitz, Rachael's sister, RACHAEL, Dan O'Halloran, Jean Morin and Rachael's Mom.
Rachael Gottes was eleven when she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia - cancer of the bone marrow and blood. Her cancer came from out of the blue, with no prior history or warning - her only symptoms were a few bruises. She has been receiving Chemotherapy treatments for two years, with the treatments scheduled to be complete next spring. Because of the treatments, and the depressed immunity they create, Rachael missed the entire 6th grade, but is back in school now!
When the Make-a-Wish Foundation contacted Rachael about a possible Wish for her, she asked them if they could wait a bit while she regained some strength and considered what she might want. Some kids want to meet a celebrity, a shopping spree, a cruise, a trip to Paris! With the chance to reflect, Rachael eventually asked if she could be a Make-a-Wish Ambassador, to spread the word about the good deeds Make-A-Wish does for so many kids.
Thus, Rachael became a Make-a-Wish Ambassador and has been to several events, such as the Kings hockey game while also offering her a chance to film a public service announcement on behalf of Make-a-Wish:
Click here to view the video of Rachael's announcement
Rachael also has a web site where you can find information about her and her condition:
Click here to follow Rachael'
Rachael is a dynamic young lady who is making a difference for all those who suffer through a serious illness. When asked for her "Wish", she wished to make a difference for others. We as a group of NHL Officials were honoured to have been able to meet her and spend some time to get to know her and her family. All the best Rachie from your friends at the NHLOA.
Don Van Massenhoven - NHL Referee
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