Confluence Health Partners with Wenatchee Wild to Present Check for More Than $20,000 to Help Fight Cancer Alongside EASE Cancer Foundation

The annual partnership between Confluence Health and the Wenatchee Wild has become a powerful and highly anticipated way for local residents to support neighbors and families affected by cancer each year. This year’s Hockey Fights Cancer game was held on February 28, following the Paint the Ice event on February 23, bringing together patients, survivors, caregivers, healthcare professionals, hockey fans, and community members in support of a shared cause.

The recipient of this year’s donation, the EASE Cancer Foundation, is a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of cancer survivors and caregivers through educational programs, wellness initiatives, workshops, and retreats across North Central Washington. The organization works closely with healthcare providers and community partners to help individuals navigate life during and after cancer treatment.

Earlier this year, the Confluence Health cancer care team, cancer researchers, and survivors – all with connections through their work with the EASE Cancer Foundation – met with Rep. Dr. Kim Schrier (Washington, District 8) to discuss the impact and importance of cancer rehab and the hope that this vital care becomes more accessible.

“As we look ahead to the future of cancer care in our region, including the development of our new cancer center, we know that great care extends beyond treatment alone,” said Spencer Green, oncology service line director at Confluence Health. “Every dollar raised at events like Hockey Fights Cancer helps support programs like EASE that provide encouragement, education, and connection for cancer survivors and caregivers throughout our region. We are grateful to the Wenatchee Wild, our community partners, and everyone who participated for helping make this year’s effort such a success.”

This year’s donation represents a significant increase from the previous year and brings the total amount raised for EASE through the partnership over the past four years to $71,631.47. Funds have been generated through game-night activities, fundraising events, ticket sales, auctions, and the generosity of Wild fans and community supporters.

In addition to the fundraising efforts, several organizations participated in this year’s event to help raise awareness and connect individuals with cancer-related resources. Participants included Cancer Care Northwest (Our House), Cancer Support Community Central Washington, Wenatchee High School HOSA, Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation, People for People, Happy Letters, and EASE Cancer Foundation.

Confluence Health has supported the Hockey Fights Cancer initiative for years as part of its ongoing commitment to serving the community beyond the walls of its hospitals and clinics. Staff members and providers volunteer at the event annually, helping foster awareness, support, and hope for those facing cancer.

The continued growth of the event reflects the generosity of North Central Washington and the commitment to ensuring that no one faces cancer alone while supporting efforts to keep cancer care close to home. Through partnerships like Hockey Fights Cancer, local organizations continue to demonstrate the power of coming together to support patients, survivors, caregivers, and families throughout the region.