Knights’ Paris raising funds, fighting cancer for mother
Marlee Paris is the only girl on the Arizona Hockey Union 10U Purple team.
On top of that, she’s a goalie.
This month, Paris is the Arizona captain for October Saves, a program for goalies to help raise money for childhood cancer and breast cancer. Every poke check and every glove save helps fight the battle.
Goalies register for free online at OctoberSaves.org and then keep track of saves made in the month the October. They then get donors to donate money for every save they make by either a flat fee or per save.
Paris is doing this for two reasons. Her mom, Dez, is a breast cancer survivor. She diagnosed when Marlee was three. She is now free of cancer but wants to help other breast cancer patients. Also, since the money goes towards childhood cancer, she wants to raise money in honor of Leighton Accardo, another girl who plays hockey for AHU as well.
“It’s heartwarming to see Marlee so passionate about raising money for such a good cause while doing what she loves the most – being a hockey goalie,” said Dez Paris.
The money raised will go towards research and treatment. October Saves also has a fund for hockey families experiencing cancer. That money can help in times of need.
The Paris’ story also highlights girls playing hockey, especially because of Marlee and Leighton. Marlee also plays inline hockey for the AZ Royals as a goalie with all-boys team as well. In fact, she was the only girl in her division to make the IHAAZ All-Star Team for the 2018 season.
“I love hockey and I love playing goalie,” Marlee said. “I don’t mind my team is all boys. They are all my friends and don’t treat me differently.”
Still, October Saves is at the forefront of Marlee’s priorities.
“I’m doing this because of my mom and also all the kids going through cancer, like Leighton,” she said. “I hope we raise a bunch of money for a cure.”
Goalies can earn prizes as well.
“If our state raises $50,000 as a whole $5,000 will be donated to the charity of my choice,” said Dez Paris. “I will ask Leighton Accardo and her family to pick that charity to donate to the money to.”
— Sean Phillips
(Oct. 24, 2019)
