In March, my sister and I received an incredibly touching offer from the NHL. They approached us with the idea of creating a short video to honor our late father and showcase the efforts behind the Mike Bossy Memorial.
It was a great privilege for us to commemorate our father and promote awareness via the Mike Bossy Memorial fund on the NHL's social media platform.
We eagerly accepted the offer and set a date that worked for all parties.
Fast forward to the beginning of April, and we found ourselves at the Mike Bossy arena with NHL staff from New York who had flown in to complete the shoot. Walking through the arena brought forth a wave of emotions, especially as it held the bronze plaque dedicated to our beloved father. This experience was vastly different from the one I had embarked on with the Islanders crew two years prior, particularly because I had the honor of sharing it with my sister. She embodies the same calm and controlled demeanor as our father and has an affinity for stepping into the spotlight, despite being an introvert. Her ability to effortlessly share deeply emotional and memorable details with a sense of peace and ease is truly admirable. We share a unique sense of humor, unwavering passion, loyalty, determination, and a relentless work ethic, all of which serve as a driving force as we strive to turn our dreams into reality.
The video we created serves as a powerful medium to showcase the Memorial's unwavering commitment to the fight against cancer, with a specific emphasis on promoting preventive screening, particularly in the detection of lung cancer. Moreover, we aim to challenge the prevailing misconceptions and stigma associated with the illness, including the often-misguided link to smoking.
The enduring battle my father faced against cancer has ignited an unwavering passion for life within me. I am determined to channel this passion into sharing joy and resilience with those around me, demonstrating that one can find happiness and meaning amidst life's adversities. While I may not be inclined towards the sciences and medical field, I have channeled my efforts into contributing to the cause through the Click for the Cause campaign, where profits are directly donated to the memorial fund. Buy now to donate at: https://www.josianebossy.com/bossy
Furthermore, I have committed to donating 20% of all summer sales to the fund. Through my art, I strive to make a meaningful and impactful contribution to the fight against cancer in honor of my father. I am grateful for the opportunity to share our deeply personal story, and it is my sincere hope that our journey can inspire and rally others to join the fight against cancer.
I would also like to take a moment to recognize the significant contributions of André Lessard, president and founder of Heroes Sports Marketing, who also worked as my father's consultant and booking agent for a decade before his passing.
I was introduced to André by my father after we made the decision to launch a series of prints of the two original paintings I had created portraying him.
We had partnered to explore its commercial potential. Tragically, my father fell ill and passed away about 8 months later. During that time, my focus understandably shifted towards spending as much time with him as possible, causing the print and André to be somewhat forgotten.
Subsequently, André assisted our family in the thorough inventory of my father's memorabilia for fair distribution between my sister and me. He often shared heartwarming anecdotes of his time with my father, mainly during card signings, reflecting a deep-felt connection.
Furthermore, André's involvement was instrumental in engaging with Heritage to secure the best offer for selling part of my father's memorabilia, a task that he handled with utmost professionalism and dedication.
The proposal he developed in collaboration with Heritage reflected my father's class and provided an opportunity to give back to the community. Of course, this became a pivotal occasion to contribute to the Mike Bossy Memorial.
During the 2023-2024 year, we had the opportunity to sell numerous bulkier items at three major card shows in Canada, raising around $20,000, with $15,400 directed to the MBM.
This initiative marked a new approach to selling memorabilia, overturning the stereotype of auction houses as purely profit-driven entities. Heritage also did an exemplary job presenting the memorabilia at the auctions, allowing my father's legacy to shine.
André's commitment and personal attachment to my father profoundly influenced the success of this venture, exemplifying his exemplary dedication beyond professional obligations.
This summer, let's take a moment to appreciate the chance to live a life filled with opportunities within our grasp, and to cherish the time spent with loved ones who enrich our lives with emotional depth. Life moves swiftly, animated and shaped by our daily actions.
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