October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month,  a time when the color pink takes on new meaning in communities across the globe. For 14-year-old goalie Lucas Marcaccio, every save he makes on the ice isn’t just about winning games; it’s about honoring his mom, Julie, a breast cancer survivor, and raising money to fight the disease through the October Saves Goalie Challenge.

A Family Story of Resilience

Lucas’ mom, Julie, battled cancer and won. That experience transformed the way the Marcaccio family views the sport of hockey. What was once simply a passion became a platform for purpose.

“October Saves gave Lucas a sense of purpose beyond the game,” Julie reflects. “Watching him turn every save into a symbol of hope was a moment that made me proud as a mom. It wasn’t just about stopping pucks, it was about making a difference.”

Lucas echoes that sentiment. “Being a part of October Saves is amazing because knowing I’m helping other people warms my heart,” he says.

Pink Pads, Big Purpose

Every October, Lucas takes the ice decorated in pink, socks, pads, helmet, and the unmistakable breast cancer ribbon with his mom’s name proudly displayed.

“The moment I step on the ice in my pink gear, it feels special,” he says. “It’s a tribute to my mom and to everyone who’s fighting or has fought cancer.”

His efforts don’t go unnoticed. Last season, Lucas raised $5,000 for cancer research, drawing widespread support from his local community and even coverage on the evening news. Coaches, players, and even opponents have rallied behind him. At one tournament, an opposing coach noticed his pinked-out gear, learned about the fundraiser, and immediately donated.

Community on Ice

For the Marcaccios, the power of October Saves isn’t just in the dollars raised but in the connections formed. “We met other families who shared their stories,  it felt like an instant bond,” Julie recalls. “It reminded us that hockey is about more than competition, it’s about community.”

The solidarity has been overwhelming. Teammates taped their sticks pink, laced up with pink strings, and wore ribbons on their helmets to stand by Lucas and his family. Julie remembers the emotion vividly: “Seeing those young athletes unite for a cause so close to our hearts reminded me that the hockey community is truly something special.”

Fighting Cancer, One Save at a Time

Lucas says each stop between the pipes carries extra weight. “Every save I make means more money for research,” he explains. “It’s my way of fighting cancer on and off the ice.”

Julie adds, “Hope became something real, something we could feel in every dollar raised and every save Lucas made. Not every story ends the way we wish it would, but continuing to fight in honor of those we’ve lost has become part of our healing.”

Beyond the Rink

October Saves has become more than a fundraiser for the Marcaccio family, it’s a movement. It has taught Lucas lessons in compassion and purpose that will last far beyond his hockey career.

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month continues, Lucas hopes his story inspires others. His advice: “You’re either helping a child in need, your family, or even a random person who is so thankful for you. Every action matters.”

Call to Action:
You can learn more about the October Saves Goalie Challenge and support goalies like Lucas raising funds for breast cancer research at octobersaves.org.