The Mario Lemieux Foundation announced its namesake will match all donations to the foundation up to $500,000 until Dec. 31 through an initiative dubbed “Mario Match.”
Donations to the foundation benefit the Mario Lemieux Center for Blood Cancers and the Mario Lemieux Immunotherapy Center both at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Mario Lemieux Lymphoma Center for Children and Young Adults at UPMC Children’s Hospital, as well as Mario Lemieux Innovation and Research Fund at Allegheny Health Network’s Cardiovascular Institute.
Additionally, donations support the Austin’s Playrooms initiative, which creates children-friendly environments in medical centers.
Following his battle with Hodgkin’s disease in 1993, Lemieux and his wife, Nathalie, created the foundation.
“I established the Lemieux Foundation to provide hope to those who need extra strength in their darkest moments,” the Penguins’ owner said in a statement. “In the days of covid-19, Nathalie and I recognize the responsibility to do our part, which is why we will match donations to the Lemieux Foundation during this holiday season.”
This year, our holiday donation goals will be assisted by MARIO LEMIEUX! All of your holiday contributions to the Lemieux Foundation will be personally matched, dollar for dollar, by Mario & Nathalie Lemieux! Make your #MarioMatch donation by 12/31 here: https://t.co/LgDr00YoEl pic.twitter.com/AWdbMRWEAg
— Mario Lemieux (@MarioLemieuxFdn) November 24, 2020
