Girl who inspired Canes in 2006 Cup run dies of leukemia

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Girl who inspired Canes in 2006 Cup run dies of leukemia

Aug 27, 2008

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Raleigh, N.C. — A girl whose battle with leukemia inspired the Carolina Hurricanes on their Stanley Cup run in 2006 has died, the team confirmed Wednesday.

Julia Rowe, 8, died early Tuesday morning.

“We were deeply saddened to hear the news about Julia, but we continue to be inspired by just how many people she touched during her much-too-short life,” Canes president Jim Rutherford said in a statement. “She helped to provide motivation for Peter (Laviolette), our players and our fans during the team’s run to the Stanley Cup championship in 2006, and we will all remember the image of her at the victory parade, wearing her pink hat and posing with the Stanley Cup.

“Julia will be missed, but it is clear from the many letters, e-mails and phone calls we are already receiving at our offices that she will live on in the hearts of a whole lot of people for a long time.”

Laviolette, Rowe's neighbor, started a fundraising campaign during the team’s 2006 playoff run to raise awareness and money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The campaign – through the sale of wristbands and autographed bottles of Shafer Vineyards’ Relentless wine, proceeds from the Friesen 5k Fun Run and private donations – raised more than $60,000 from April to September 2006.

When the Cane’s won the Stanley Cup, Rowe helped cut player Mike Commodore's red hair for a cancer fundraiser.

“The Rowe family wishes to express our appreciation to our friends in the Hurricanes organization and the community at large during the Relentless campaign in 2006,” the Rowe family said in a statement. “At that time, Julia was the face of leukemia representing all children that fight the disease and a personality who motivated a community to work toward new treatments where few are available today. Julia’s untimely death is a reminder that, while many children fight leukemia, there are far too many that don’t win that fight.”

Pete Freisen, the Canes’ strength and conditioning coach, will dedicate this year’s Friesen 5k Fun Run to Rowe. The third annual run is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 14, at the RBC Center, and all proceeds will benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. For more information, visit www.CarolinaHurricanes.com or www.ncraces.com.

In lieu of flowers, the Rowe family has asked that donations may be made to the “Building Our Community of Faith” Fund, In memory of Julia Rowe, c/o St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 804 High House Rd., Cary, N.C., 27513. All proceeds will go toward naming a classroom in Julia’s memory.

Most Recent Comments

This is one of those times when you realize life is not fair. Poor baby girl, my only happy thoughts are that you are out of pain forever, you will never have to see another hospital or doctor. Run through the fields in heaven and play till your heart is content.

Thoughts and prayers with the Rowe family - bless you all.

what a heart breaking story.

She is a beautiful girl! May God bless her family during this time and give them peace.

Thoughts and prayers to the family.

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