Novi Youth Hockey Association To Host Fundraiser for Seven-Year-Old Player With Brain Tumor

—Submitted by the Novi Youth Hockey Association Board of Directors

The Novi Youth Hockey Association is sponsoring a fundraiser for “Team Salah” at their annual Coaches Cup game on March 17 at 5 p.m. at the . The Coach’s Cup game traditionally is made up of two teams of current NYHA coaches pitted in a hard-fought rival game.

“Team Salah” was created to benefit Anthony Salah, a NYHA Mite hockey player. In November of 2011, Anthony was diagnosed with brain cancer and on Nov. 25, he underwent a 12-hour surgery to remove a very aggressive brain tumor (medulloblastoma).

Anthony is just 7 years old, and at the beginning of November, he seemed fine and was playing hockey. After getting headaches, the doctors, while doing routine tests, diagnosed this serious illness. It was a shock for all the families at the NYHA when they heard the news and we were all very saddened with Anthony’s diagnosis.

"He is a very active boy with an artistic imagination, a deep affinity with God, his parish (Saint Mary’s Antiochian Church) and to his faith. His love of sports ranges from hockey, baseball, swimming, and golf and are of the utmost joy and pleasure for him," said Anthony's father, Charlie, in a letter written for the fundraiser. "He is on the honor roll at Saint Edith’s school in Livonia; selected student of the month in Wayne County Michigan; and is a diplomat by nature. A kind soul filled with love, strength, peace and harmony for his family, friends, and teammates. Anthony’s nature is quiet and reflective. A boy with wisdom beyond his years. Very much the glue to his siblings. He is the inside variety of goodies that make up a sandwich."

Anthony’s NYHA Mite hockey team, the Tigers, started a fundraiser, “Team Salah”, in an effort to help the family financially. Anthony is now at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston where he is undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Hopefully, Anthony will be returning home soon. He has a very long road to recovery ahead of him.

The goal of the “Team Salah” fundraiser is to help with all the expenses and hardships the family will face due to Anthony’s illness. Medical insurance will certainly not cover all the medical expenses, especially for all his chemotherapy, radiation and other medications he will need. Anthony’s family is staying in Texas during his treatments while maintaining a home in Michigan which results in added living expenses. Anthony’s parents will not be working during their stays in Texas, inducing yet another hardship. Anthony has two siblings and his older brother is staying in Michigan so he can attend school while the rest of the family is in Texas.

With the many difficulties and expenses the family will be facing in the upcoming year, we are hoping that the money raised at the fundraiser on March 17 will help Anthony and his family during such an emotional and trying time.

The NYHA is asking for donations of money, memorabilia donations and anything that would help support “Team Salah." At the Coaches Cup fundraiser, there will be auctions and raffles for the memorabilia donations we receive with all the proceeds going directly to Anthony Salah and his family. Monetary donations can be made directly on the Tigers website. Go to the NYHA website (www.noviyouthhockey.org) and follow the link to “Team Salah.” For memorabilia donations and any questions, please contact Jim Allen at 248-895-8938 or email Jim at hockey@jimsboathouse.com.