The Story Behind the Detroit Red Wings' Cancer Awareness Jersey

The Story Behind the Red Wings Cancer Jersey

In 2020, the Detroit Red Wings unveiled a special one-off jersey in collaboration with the Little Caesars Love Kitchen to support cancer research and raise awareness. This "cancer jersey," as it's come to be known, features a bold gray and black color scheme with stylized wings on the front and the phrases "Fight, Cure, Believe, Change" printed on the inside of the collar.

The origins of this unique jersey tie back to the longstanding relationship between the Ilitch family, owners of the Detroit Red Wings and Little Caesars Pizza, and their support for cancer research in Detroit. In 2000, Mike and Marian Ilitch founded the Little Caesars Love Kitchen, a traveling restaurant on wheels that provides meals to people in need across America. A portion of the proceeds from Little Caesars Pizza sales goes towards sustaining the Love Kitchen program.

The Ilitch's Dedication to Fighting Cancer

In addition to the Love Kitchen, the Ilitch family has been instrumental in supporting cancer efforts in Detroit. In 2006, they established the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, the largest center for cancer care and research in Michigan. Named after the late wife of Mike Illitch, who died of breast cancer, the Karmanos Cancer Institute treats over 100,000 patients annually.

The Ilitch's most recent endeavor is the Wayne State University Mike Ilitch School of Business, founded in 2020 with a $40 million gift from the Illitch Family. The school focuses on supporting entrepreneurship and innovation in Detroit. As part of their philanthropic work, the Ilitch family made fighting cancer a central part of their community revitalization efforts.

Launching the Cancer Jersey

In September 2020, the Red Wings and Little Caesars Love Kitchen joined forces to design a special charity jersey to benefit cancer research. The jersey made its on-ice debut during the team's annual Hockey Fights Cancer Awareness Night on October 24 against Anaheim.

The unique gray and black design featured the slogan "Fight, Cure, Believe, Change" on the collar denoting the four crucial actions needed to overcome cancer. The Red Wings wore the jersey during warm-ups before the game to show their support for Hockey Fights Cancer.

Overwhelming Positive Response

The cancer jersey was meant to be a one-time creation, but the incredible fan response led the Red Wings to alter course. Fans fell in love with the bold design and inspirational messaging surrounding cancer awareness. Demand for the jersey skyrocketed after the Hockey Fights Cancer game.

Over 25,000 jerseys were pre-ordered in November 2020 following the game. Fans called it one of the most meaningful and emotional jersey designs the team had ever produced. The Red Wings announced that the cancer jersey would become an annual tradition and unveiled the 2021 version in lavender for Hockey Fights Cancer month.

The Jerseys Impact - Raising Funds & Awareness

The Red Wings cancer jerseys represent a meaningful collaboration between the team's ownership, the players, and the Detroit community. The jerseys have now become a unique tradition that fans look forward to each year.

In February 2021, the first cancer jerseys were delivered to fans who had pre-ordered them, along with a handwritten note of appreciation from general manager Steve Yzerman. Autographed jerseys were also auctioned off to raise additional funds, some fetching over $2,000 per jersey.

Over $100,000 Raised for Cancer Initiatives

The proceeds from the cancer jerseys have gone towards supporting several cancer funding initiatives. In total, the sales of the inaugural 2020 cancer jersey resulted in over $100,000 raised for the American Cancer Society and the Jamie Daniels Foundation.

Jamie Daniels was a 17-year-old Boston Bruins fan who passed away from cancer. His foundation is dedicated to supporting other young hockey fans battling the disease. The Red Wings dual efforts represented the first major fundraising commitment since the launch of the Jamie Daniels Foundation.

Continuing the Fight

As the Red Wings prepare to unveil their 2023 cancer jersey, the legacy of supporting cancer awareness lives on. The jerseys have become a meaningful annual tradition for players and fans alike. While the designs change each year, the core messaging remains the same - joining together as a community to fight back against cancer.

The Red Wings organization is proud to honor cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers through this annual symbol of unity and hope. For fans, owning one of these special jerseys represents the opportunity to contribute to life-saving research while paying tribute to those impacted by cancer.

Petition to Make Cancer Jerseys Permanent

Following the overwhelming positive response to the cancer jerseys, some Detroit fans have started online petitions calling for the Red Wings to make them a permanent third jersey option.

Arguments for making the cancer jerseys permanent include:

• The jerseys are incredibly meaningful to fans and survivors who they resonate with emotionally.
• They represent an important initiative that fans want to continue supporting year-round.
• The unique color schemes and designs differentiate them from the regular Red Wings jerseys.

However, there are also counterpoints as to why the Red Wings haven't committed to the jerseys full-time:

• Rotating designs each year keeps the initiative fresh and engaging.
• As a limited edition item, the excitement and demand builds more than if they were permanent.
• The Red Wings don't want them to appear like an obvious money-making endeavor.

While it's uncertain if the petitions will lead to the cancer jerseys becoming permanent, the Red Wings will likely continue leveraging them as an impactful annual tradition for years to come. The team balances fan satisfaction with maximizing funds raised for cancer through this clever Inspired promotional strategy.

FAQs

When did the Red Wings first wear the cancer jersey?

The Red Wings first wore the cancer jersey in October 2020 for their Hockey Fights Cancer Awareness Night game against the Anaheim Ducks.

What charities benefit from the sales of the jerseys?

Proceeds from the cancer jerseys benefit the American Cancer Society and the Jamie Daniels Foundation, which supports young hockey fans battling cancer.

How much money has been raised so far through the jerseys?

As of 2021, the inaugural cancer jerseys had raised over $100,000 for cancer charities.

How often do the Red Wings wear the jerseys?

The Red Wings wear the special edition cancer jerseys once a year during their annual Hockey Fights Cancer Awareness game.

Where can I buy the Red Wings cancer jersey?

The limited edition cancer jerseys are sold through the Detroit Red Wings official online team store on their website during the pre-order periods.