The greatest gift of all
Saturday, 12.24.2005 / 12:00 AM
/ News
Boston Bruins
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By Cam Neely
The holidays are the time of year when most people are in the spirit of giving, and we all try to spend time with those that are the most important to us. In some ways, this time of year is bittersweet for me, having two young children so excited about Christmas and all that goes with that, and yet as many people know, I lost both of my parents to cancer while I was still playing in Boston. The holidays often bring back their memory, as I spend time with the rest of my family and wish that they could be with us.
Although losing my parents was very difficult for my siblings and me, I have always appreciated the support that I received from the Boston Bruins and the B’s fans while I was going through this difficult period. That is part of why Boston has become my adopted home.
As some of you know, my brother Scott and I found a way to give back to the community, when we started the Cam Neely Foundation for Cancer Care in 1995. Our goal was to help cancer patients and their families while undergoing treatment here in Boston. Since then, we have raised more than 14 million dollars for cancer research and cancer care, and it feels great to know that we have eased people’s lives while they go through difficult times.
I have learned that the gift of giving is the “greatest gift of all.” We at the Neely foundation are consistently impressed with the generosity of Boston, and New England for that matter, and are glad for the opportunity to facilitate others’ giving as well as our own.
At this time of year, I am so grateful that my family and friends are healthy, because without health we have nothing. That is why as the Giving Season is upon us, I ask you remember those in need and consider giving the “greatest gift” by donating to your favorite charity, or the Boston Bruins Foundation or The Cam Neely Foundation for Cancer Care. I can tell you first hand, that the feeling you get when you give is far better than the feeling you get when you receive. I want to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday Season.
The holidays are the time of year when most people are in the spirit of giving, and we all try to spend time with those that are the most important to us. In some ways, this time of year is bittersweet for me, having two young children so excited about Christmas and all that goes with that, and yet as many people know, I lost both of my parents to cancer while I was still playing in Boston. The holidays often bring back their memory, as I spend time with the rest of my family and wish that they could be with us.
Although losing my parents was very difficult for my siblings and me, I have always appreciated the support that I received from the Boston Bruins and the B’s fans while I was going through this difficult period. That is part of why Boston has become my adopted home.
As some of you know, my brother Scott and I found a way to give back to the community, when we started the Cam Neely Foundation for Cancer Care in 1995. Our goal was to help cancer patients and their families while undergoing treatment here in Boston. Since then, we have raised more than 14 million dollars for cancer research and cancer care, and it feels great to know that we have eased people’s lives while they go through difficult times.
I have learned that the gift of giving is the “greatest gift of all.” We at the Neely foundation are consistently impressed with the generosity of Boston, and New England for that matter, and are glad for the opportunity to facilitate others’ giving as well as our own.
At this time of year, I am so grateful that my family and friends are healthy, because without health we have nothing. That is why as the Giving Season is upon us, I ask you remember those in need and consider giving the “greatest gift” by donating to your favorite charity, or the Boston Bruins Foundation or The Cam Neely Foundation for Cancer Care. I can tell you first hand, that the feeling you get when you give is far better than the feeling you get when you receive. I want to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday Season.
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