Pat Lafontaine

Companions in Courage

http://companionsincourage.org

"No child in the fight for life or health should ever have to go through it alone. The Companions In Courage Foundation is here to give courage, friendship and compassion to those children and families faced with overcoming illness and life-threatening obstacles."

So reads the mission statement for the Companions In Courage Foundation, an organization founded in 2001 by hockey great Pat LaFontaine. The inspiration for this charitable organization came from all the children Pat met in children's hospitals throughout North America during his 15-year NHL career.

Working in conjunction with corporate sponsors, Companions In Courage has established an initial goal of creating interactive playrooms in children's hospitals throughout North America. CiC's goal is to take infirmed children psychologically out of the often isolating hospital experience via a host of innovative communications tools and experiences. These tools will enable children and caregivers to make connections, play games, share experiences, and uniquely enrich their time spent in the hospital.

"Through innovative communications tools, these playrooms will replace the isolation of a hospital with a connection to family, friends and celebrities during their hospital stay," LaFontaine said.

About the Foundation In 2001, Warner Books published LaFontaine's book, "Companions In Courage - Triumphant Tales of Heroic Athletes." Unlike traditional sports hero memoirs this book features the heroic stories of athletes who have served as inspiration. Pat has donated proceeds from the sale of the book to the CiC Foundation, and he is participating in many other fund-raising activities to raise money and awareness. The first children's hospitals to be fitted with "CiC Rooms" will be in Los Angeles and Buffalo.

About Pat LaFontaine A perennial All Star in the National Hockey League, Pat enjoyed a 15-year career with the New Your Islanders, Buffalo Sabres and New York Rangers. He represented the United States at the 1984 Olympic Games in Sarajevo and at various World Cup tournaments throughout his career. He retired prematurely from the NHL in 1998 as a result of a series of concussions suffered though his career.

In the words of actor Michael J. Fox, "Pat is one of those unique people who just flat out cares about others… and in today's world of … 'what's in it for me' professional athletes, Pat is truly a breath of fresh air."