WVMG Joins the Community for Hockey Fights Cancer 2026
On February 28, fans filled the Town Toyota Center for the Wenatchee Wild’s annual Hockey Fights Cancer Night—a tradition that has become a meaningful community event. In the days leading up to the game, the Wild once again opened the rink to the public, inviting families, survivors, and supporters to paint the names of loved ones affected by cancer directly onto the ice. By game night, the rink had transformed into a vibrant mosaic of color, remembrance, and hope.
For the Wenatchee Valley Medical Group, this event is far more than a night at the arena. It represents decades of partnership, volunteerism, and shared commitment to the patients and families of North Central Washington.
A Longstanding Commitment to the Cancer Community
Medical oncologist Julie Smith, MD, has been part of Hockey Fights Cancer—and its earlier version, Pink in the Rink—for many years. She describes the event as a deeply rooted tradition for WVMG physicians and staff:
“The physicians and staff members of medical oncology have been involved, passionate, and volunteering at Hockey Fights Cancer for multiple years. This event honors all patients, families, and those who have or have had a cancer diagnosis.”
WVMG has partnered closely with the Wenatchee Wild historically, and now in affiliation with Confluence Health, to support cancer awareness efforts. One year, the medical group sponsored a bone marrow donor drive during the game, enrolling 400–500 community members as potential stem cell donors.
Dr. Smith recalls years of volunteering at the oncology booth—handing out information on cancer screening, smoking cessation, and prevention—and the emotional experience of seeing patients’ names painted into the ice:
“To see many of my own patients’ names lovingly painted in the ice by their family members frequently brings tears to my eyes. It reaffirms my personal commitment to this community and the long-term relationships formed.”
She also notes the broad participation of local nonprofits, including Relay for Life of Chelan-Douglas County, EASE Cancer Foundation, Cancer Support Community Central (formerly Wellness Place), and Cancer Care of NCW (Our House). Many WVMG physicians volunteer, donate, or serve as board members for these organizations.
A Shared Experience Beyond the Clinic
For Ensi Voshtina, DO, Hockey Fights Cancer is a meaningful demonstration of the resilience, survivorship, and support that carry patients through cancer. “This event brings together patients, families, caregivers, and healthcare teams outside of the clinical setting. It reminds us that behind every treatment plan is a person, a family, and a community going through it together.”
She describes the painted ice as a powerful symbol: “Each name represents a unique story. It’s very humbling.”
Dr. Voshtina also noted how many members of the healthcare community attended—physicians, nurses, navigators, support staff, and administrators—reflecting a shared commitment to patients and their families.
Hope, Resilience, and Community Connection
Radiation oncologist Nick Kummer, MD, shared a reflection on the deep meaning of the event, and the importance of finding a way to live life to its fullest.
“Cancer destroys and takes without prejudice. Despite this, people respond with equal or greater positivity—kindness, generosity, love, creating, growing. These moments where the community comes together radiate the hope we need to continue the fight.”
Cancer survivor Marissa Collins understands what it feels like to be on the patient side of that fight. “As a survivor, I know the cancer journey doesn’t feel brave — it feels messy and scary and it hurts, and you’re just doing what you have to do to get through it. But that’s why I think every day someone lives through cancer is worth acknowledging. Every name on that ice represents a real person and a real story.”
She hopes that those currently facing cancer—whether personally or alongside someone they love—feel the presence of a community walking with them:
“I hope those going through their own cancer journey can see the names on the ice and know they are not alone in their pain and grief. In many ways, we are all connected through cancer, and events like this remind us of that.”
For Dr. Kummer, seeing survivors like Marissa thriving is one of the most meaningful parts of the night:
“It is striking to see so many cancer survivors whom I have seen come through the clinic. On the ice, it is a reminder of all the love that connects us.”