The CannonBall puts spotlight on pediatric cancer heroes

The actual cannon was present during the 2023 edition of The CannonBall last month, and it's fair to say everyone who attended the Blue Jackets Foundation's biggest fundraiser of the year had a blast.
With a theme of "Denim and Diamonds," the gala turned COSI in downtown Columbus into a celebration that featured photo stations, excellent food and drink, live bands, one notable cannon and members of the Blue Jackets organization including front office staff, coaches and players.

The event, presented by Bartha and Bread Financial, highlighted this year's class of Blue Jackets pediatric heroes. In the end, The CannonBall raised more than $425,000 for the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation to continue its mission to support the health and wellness of children in Central Ohio.

"Tonight we are going to celebrate the incredible work that is done in the community by the Blue Jackets Foundation," president of hockey operations John Davidson told attendees. "I think when you go all the way back to when Mr. Mac and the McConnell family brought the Blue Jackets to Columbus, it wasn't just a hockey team. It was a whole organization that was put together, and because of that and the work through the foundation, each and every year, Columbus becomes a better place and a better place and a better place."

This year's version of The CannonBall was highlighted by a video presentation on the pediatric cancer heroes program, with three of this year's young participants -- Lila Urbanic (age 13), Jack Tarpy (12), Claire Cooper (8) -- recognized. The heroes program provides unique opportunities for kids battling cancer to be recognized by the Blue Jackets, including the chance to attend games throughout the season, a VIP experience at the annual Hockey Fights Cancer game, personalized photo shoots featuring CBJ players, and more.
An eighth grader at Olentangy Orange Middle School, Lila Urbanic was diagnosed with a Wilms tumor in October 2021 and went through 36 weeks of chemotherapy, 14 consecutive days of radiation therapy and months of physical therapy.
Now cancer free, Urbanic
performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" before the Hockey Fights Cancer game
and addressed the crowd during The CannonBall, thanking attendees for their support of the foundation. She pointed to the pediatric heroes program as well as other distraction therapy provided to Nationwide Childrens Hospital through the Blue Jackets Foundation as ways she was able to keep a positive attitude throughout her cancer fight.

"Thank you for the distractions," Urbanic said after telling her story. "Thank you for the relief. Thank you for being our glimmer of hope. Thank you for your generous support of the Blue Jackets Foundation and the tremendous benefits brought to us."

The night was also about fun, as The CannonBall featured a concert performance from country artist Neal McCoy -- who did a duet at one point with Urbanic -- and the chance for fans and partners to mingle with CBJ players. A 360-degree photo booth allowed attendees to take memorable videos with one another, attendees and mascots like Stinger dressed to the theme, and a silent auction featuring one-of-a-kind Blue Jackets memorabilia was held.

The Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation is dedicated to the health and wellness of children in central Ohio, dedicating time, resources and financial support to organizations making a difference in the areas of pediatric cancer, education through literacy, fitness through play and the growth and development of amateur hockey.
The foundation has provided more than $13 million to the Columbus community since the team's inception in 2000.
"The Blue Jackets Foundation, as JD said, is such a powerful part of this organization," said Cathy Lyttle, the chair of the board of directors for the foundation. "And 23 years ago, the pillars that were put in place by the McConnell family really centered around the children in our community. It's our mission. It's our purpose."