Lightning Host Families Battling Cancer for Practice Event at Benchmark International Arena

The Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Cancer Specialists joined forces Thursday morning. They brought families touched by cancer to Benchmark International Arena. These families watched the team practice from the best seats in the house.

Marceli Miller attended with her family. She's been fighting breast cancer for over five years. Doctors told her the news in May 2020.

"In December of 2019, I had a completely clear mammogram, so in less than six months, my cancer grew very fast, and I had basically stage three breast cancer," said Miller, according to Tampa Bay 28.

Miller continues hormone therapy. She's wrapping up a clinical trial. "I'm still on hormone therapy. I'm finishing a clinical trial, so I'm doing well, stable, feeling good," Miller said.

The morning skate let several families watch the team during their cancer treatments. Miller's daughter Mairin snagged a puck at the session. Later, defenseman Darren Raddysh signed it for her.

Lightning legend Brian Bradley talked about why they organized this gathering. "Everybody's been affected by cancer in some way or another, and you know what, we just want to give back," Bradley said.

When practice wrapped up, the families entered a raffle for signed memorabilia. The hockey club partnered with Florida Cancer Specialists to create happy moments for those fighting the disease.

You can catch the Lightning's upcoming games on The Spot – Tampa Bay 66 (WXPX-TV) or on the Tampa Bay Lightning app.