Caledon community united together to support local teen battling brain cancer

Written By ALYSSA PARKHILL

Hockey isn't just a sport for entertainment and skill. Hockey isn't just a competition. Hockey is a family. No matter what team you play for, no matter what league, the hockey community shows immense support and friendship towards each other. That's exactly what the Caledon community has shown for a local 13-year-old battling brain cancer.

Reese Meyer from Caledon East has the Caledon community fully behind him as he fights his battle with the deadly disease. Meyer is a Minor Bantam rep hockey player for the Caledon Hawks.

On Nov 20, nearly 500 people came together to hold a candlelight vigil to send love, prayers and support for Reese outside their local arena.

But the support didn't stop there. 

Surrounding hockey leagues and teams like the Oakville Rangers Minor Bantam AE team, the Brampton Canadettes Girls Hockey Association, the Halton Hills Thunder Atom AA team, the Milton Winterhawks, the Orangeville Flyers have all made videos or written words to express their support for Reese.

Many NHLr's have reached out to Reese to pass along positive and encouraging words through this hard time. Connor McDavid from the Edmonton Oilers, Alex Biega from the Detroit Red Wings and Justin Holl, who shares the same jersey number as Reese, from the Toronto Maple Leafs, also reached out with videos to show their support. 

“From one #3 to another, I'm thinking of you, I think it's really brave of you to be taking this thing head on. So, keep fighting the good fight, and stay positive and just know we're all thinking about you,” stated Holl in a video sent to Reese. 

Hockey hall-of-famers, Wayne Gretzky and Hayley Wickenheiser have also sent kind and supporting words to Reese. 

During Hockey Night in Canada on Nov 23, Ron Maclean surprised the community by sharing Reese's stories, and the incredible support the community within and outside of Caledon has shown to the the Meyer family.

Reese undergone four brain surgeries last week and continues to fight the battle at Sick Kids Hospital. 

A recent post from Reese's father Glen, stated that Reese is recovering more strength and energy each day, and thought they have a long journey to recovery ahead of them, the family remains strong and thankful that they aren't alone in the fight.

To support Reese and the Meyer family, a fundraiser has been ongoing on Facebook called ‘Brook's Birthday Fundraiser for Reese Meyer' which has raised over $12,000 and continues to accept donations.

We're all rooting for you, Reese. Stay strong!