Tampa Bay Lightning fans cheered enthusiastically for marrow transplant recipient Lucas James, a 16-year-old high school student, and his lifesaving donor, Patrick Shoemay, 27, as the two were introduced for the first time during the team’s March 29 match with the Nashville Predators.

Gift of Life works with the Tampa Bay Lightning and other hockey teams to support the National Hockey League’s “Hockey Fights Cancer” awareness events every November and March. This incredible partnership began in 2018, and has brought more than 20 pairs of donors and recipients together for the first time.

Lucas was thrilled to see himself on the Jumbotron, and then Patrick, a professional San Diego Seals lacrosse player, came forward from inside the stands to give him a warm hug. They both waved to the Lightning’s fans, who responded with shouts of support.

“James was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia after a period of having fevers each evening,” said his mother, Megan. “We were shocked and sad, and felt completely helpless, but the medical team told us he had a good chance of finding a donor quickly.”

That search for a donor only took a few weeks, and Patrick was identified in Gift of Life’s registry.

“I had joined the registry back in 2019, while a student – and lacrosse player – at the Rochester Institute of Technology," said Patrick. "My teammate Walker Hare had previously joined Gift of Life and had already donated bone marrow, so our team was excited to all join the registry, too.”

“We are extremely grateful to Patrick and are thankful that the transplant process went so well,” said Megan. “This is very exciting and emotional for our whole family.”

James is doing great and is once again able to participate in his favorite activities. As someone who loves history, he enjoys visiting museums and playing video games, and he’s also active in the marching band and Scouting America.

The San Diego Seals are thrilled that one of their team members has saved a life by donating, and Gift of Life will have swab tables at the Pechanga Arena on April 17 for the match with the Las Vegas Desert Dogs. 

Thank you to the National Hockey League and the Tampa Bay Lightning for partnering with us to bring donors and recipients together to help raise awareness of the need for blood stem cell donors who can help give patients in need a second chance at life.