In Washington, Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin continues his commitment to fighting pediatric cancer through his initiative, THE GR8 CHASE For Victory Over Cancer. On a night celebrated for its hockey spirit, Ovechkin welcomed a young guest, 4-year-old Sunny Thornton, to join him on the red carpet at Capital One Arena before the Capitals’ season opener against the Boston Bruins.
Dressed in a bright red dress and donning a silver tiara, Sunny is a pediatric cancer patient from Maryland currently receiving treatment at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. Her journey to the red carpet included a special greeting from Ovechkin at the team’s practice facility in Arlington, Virginia, where he presented her with a gift bag containing a hockey puck, an Ovechkin jersey, and a limited-edition cereal, Ovi’s Great Crunch. Not only does the cereal feature bran flakes, but a portion of the proceeds are funneled directly back into THE GR8 CHASE initiative.
“It’s going to be lots of people. It’s going to be lots of cameras,” Ovechkin assured Sunny, who responded with a shy nod when asked about her excitement for attending her first Capitals game. The event was not only a celebration of the upcoming hockey season but also a heartfelt reminder of the fight against cancer that brings Ovechkin and the Capitals together.
Since its launch on March 5, 2023, THE GR8 CHASE has made significant strides in its mission. The initiative was designed to amplify Ovechkin’s pursuit of breaking the NHL goals record and has successfully raised over $165,000 for pediatric cancer research. The Capitals’ star player scored his 895th goal on April 6, 2023, solidifying his place in NHL history. Ovechkin has pledged to donate an amount equivalent to his total career goals for every goal he scores moving forward, with Monumental Sports and Entertainment, the owner of the Capitals, matching his donations.
Beginning the new season with 897 goals, Ovechkin needs just three more to etch his name in the record books as the first player to reach 900 career goals in the NHL. Supporters of the cause can contribute by donating $8, representing Ovechkin’s jersey number, or any amount they choose via the program’s website.
“This is an important thing, and I hope we’re going to raise lots of money and help people who need it,” Ovechkin commented on the initiative’s significance. He emphasized the impact of raising awareness for pediatric cancer, stating that every little effort counts in the mission to combat this illness.
Sunny’s mother, Katie Thornton, expressed her gratitude for the experience, stating it provided a significant break from the stress of treatment. Speaking of her daughter’s condition, she noted, “Sunny’s leukemia is in remission, but she has about 2 1/2 years of treatment remaining.” For Sunny, spending this special day with Ovechkin meant a temporary escape from hospital life and the illness itself.
Ovechkin was not only a gracious host but also engaged warmly with Sunny, holding her hand and stopping to sign autographs for fans who cheered them along the red carpet. As they walked, the excitement in the air was palpable, with fans offering well wishes for the young cancer warrior.
Katie further added, “It’s really meant a lot to us just to be able to let Sunny shine outside of the walls of the hospital. It was great to be in such a fun, supportive environment where people are rooting for and cheering her on. This day was a welcome opportunity to set aside worries about cancer, treatment, or hospital stays.”
As Ovechkin embarks on another season, his actions off the ice highlight the resilience and hope within the fight against pediatric cancer. This event not only showcases his dedication to the game but also his profound impact in the community, reminding everyone that victories come in many forms, and sometimes, they are measured not just in goals scored, but in lives touched.
