The McCarty Cancer Foundation
" His cancer came along when I was dealing with alcoholism. I had quit drinking and had gone into rehab. We sat down and my dad didn't feel sorry for himself. He said, 'We've got tough things to deal with, so let's lean on each other and get through this together.' You never want [cancer] to happen to anyone, but it did come at a time when we could help each other."
--Darren McCarty--
The McCarty Cancer Foundation was begun on Father's Day, 1996, as a gift from Wings' forward Darren McCarty to his dad, Craig McCarty. Craig has a rare form of cancer called multiple myeloma, which is uncurable and has a very short life-expectantcy. Darren explains its purpose:
"Our focus is to raise money for research to find a cure for multiple myeloma, and also to help with support groups. I got the idea and learned from AA [Alcoholics Anonymous] that there are a lot of people in the same situation. If you can lean on each other and use each other as support, it makes things a lot easier to handle."
It has raised so far, through banquets, raffles, and the efforts of Trenton Minor Hockey moms. Here's how you can contact the McCarty Cancer Foundation, for more information or to make a donation.
On The Internet:
http://www.mccartycancerfoundation.com
Phone:
1-800-746-0355
Canadian Address:
Craig McCarty
Box 63
Leamington, Ontario N8H3W1
American Address:
Craig McCarty
Box 32444
Detroit, MI 48232
"My dad worried about how we can help other people. It helped him deal with his disease. For me to see him helping other people and to see him happy and getting on with his life, even though he's got some troubles, sets a great example."
--Darren McCarty--
Craig McCarty passed away on November 24, 1999 with his family around him.
He is deeply missed by the Red Wings organization, the NHL, and all who knew him
"He was a battler"
--Darren McCarty--
Thanks to Inside Hockeytown for the quotes on this page