Brendan Gallagher’s mother passed away last week after battling brain cancer for three and a half years. Now, an incredible gesture from a fan is bringing a smile to faces across the hockey world.
When Gallagher wore a Hockey Fights Cancer warm-up jersey in 2022, he wrote “Mom” at the bottom—where players could dedicate their fight to someone.
Gallagher announced his mother’s passing last Thursday. She had battled brain cancer for three and a half years after being given just 6 to 18 months to live at diagnosis.
“Our whole lives, she really did so much for us as a family,” Gallagher told the media. “You try to cherish the memories that you do have.
“The way the team supported and helped me out, I wouldn’t have gotten through it without them. Everything I am is from her—it’s a special relationship. She will be missed, but she’s with us every day, and there won’t be a day I don’t think of her.”
Incredible gesture to Brendan Gallagher
Now, a heartfelt gesture from a fan has lifted spirits across the hockey community. Lucie Lachance, a Montreal Canadiens fan, apparently purchased Gallagher’s 2022 warm-up jersey. In a social media post, she offered to return it to him.
“I feel like this jersey should belong to you. You wore it in warm-ups in 2022, just before they stopped making them. So this is very unique—like your mom was,” she wrote.
Gallagher responded with gratitude, proposing a special exchange.
“That is incredibly kind of you—thoughtful and really appreciated!! How about a jersey swap on the ice April 16th!”
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