RUSH, MONUMENT HEALTH FOUNDATION CONTINUE PARTNERSHIP FOR RUSH FIGHTS CANCER NIGHT

(RAPID CITY, S.D.)—The Rapid City Rush, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Calgary Flames, are proud to join forces with the Monument Health Foundation for the 17^th consecutive season for Rush Fights Cancer night on Saturday, March 22^nd, presented by Vitalant.

The Rush are honoring those who have fought and continue to fight all forms of cancer by raising awareness, fundraising, and making a difference in any way possible.

This edition of an already special game will be especially meaningful. Rush Head Coach & General Manager Scott Burt was diagnosed with a brain tumor in December, undergoing emergency brain surgery at Monument Health in Rapid City before continuing his treatments at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. ‘Burtie’ returned from his ten-week leave of absence on February 15^th.

“Our Rush Fights Cancer game is a special night every year, but this one carries so much extra meaning,” said Rush President Jared Reid. “Cancer directly affected our entire group when Burtie took on the fight of his life, and just three months later, we are all proud to have him on our bench on Saturday. We are honored to have the incredible Monument Health staff in attendance and look forward to breaking another fundraising record this year.”

The partnership between the Rush organization and the Monument Health Foundation began in 2008-09, the team’s inaugural season. Since then, the team has raised over $363,000 for the foundation to support local cancer patients. This year’s goal is the highest yet: $30,000.

“It is so awesome to have our two entities working together and having that partnership to support the community and healthcare,” said Hans Nelson, Director of the Monument Health Foundation. “(The Rush) are kind of local celebrities, so I think it is really impactful to see cancer patients sitting in the lobby interacting with the players and coaches, all wearing the lavender colors and the cancer ribbon. I think it provides that little bit of comfort for them to know they are supporting the cancer community.”

Last year, Nelson had his head shaved upon the Rush meeting their fundraising goal for the game. Head shaving will be available on Saturday and is provided by Great Clips.

On Monday, the Rush leadership group—Ryan Wagner, Charles Martin, Maurizio Colella, and Blake Bennett—visited the Cancer Care Institute to visit with survivors. Burt was in attendance and, while wearing his Rush Fights Cancer jersey, rang the bell with his teammates and medical team beside him.

A bell ringing ceremony, presented by Tin City Saloon, will ring through the arena during the first intermission as the Rush highlight multiple local cancer survivors. Scott Burt will also be joined by Dr. Daniel Petereit and Dr. Thomas Fulbright of Monument Health, both who have been instrumental in his treatment process.

“On behalf of the Monument Health Cancer Care Institute, I sincerely thank everyone for their support tonight as we honor all our cancer patients and their families,” said Petereit. “We also honor those who have lost their battle to cancer. We sincerely appreciate the fundraising efforts that will support cancer patients in our region. We hope and pray that Coach Burt will achieve a complete remission, will return to good health and will live for decades as he continues his coaching career and will continue to cherish his life and his beautiful family.”

“I am happy to help support the cause and am pleased that you all are doing this,” said Fulbright, a neurosurgeon of nearly 40 years. “This grassroots collection of funds to support cancer research is great, and I am happy to support that.”

A major portion of fundraising will take place after Saturday's game at the live postgame jersey auction. The lavender-themed jerseys, which the team will wear during the game, feature an ‘I Fight For’ patch with ‘Burtie’ written on each one, a symbol of unity as the Rush team rallies behind their leader.

The festivities start with the annual Paint the Ice Event from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 20th at The Monument Ice Arena, a free event during which the public can write the names of loved ones who have battled cancer on the ice. There will be an opportunity to make donations to the foundation as well. Paint the Ice is sponsored by Black Hills Painting and Pressure Washing.

The Rapid City Rush continues their homestand with a three-game series against the Wichita Thunder on March 21^st, 22^nd, and 23^rd at The Monument Ice Arena. Saturday, March 22^nd is Rush Fights Cancer, presented by Vitalant. Secure your seats today and be a part of the action. Check out the 2024-25 promotional schedule for a list of all themed nights. Call the Rush front office at 605-716-7825 or visit www.rapidcityrush.com for more information.