Mario Lemieux Foundation

Mario’s Story

My battle with Hodgkin’s disease in 1993 made me realize how fragile life can be. It also helped me see how fortunate I am to be involved with the greatest game in the world and to have had the opportunity to celebrate five Stanley Cup Championships.

But I also know there are many people who are not as fortunate as I am. And, I know that we can be More Courageous Together. That’s why the Mario Lemieux Foundation and its initiatives continue to be so important to me all these years later.

The Foundation is equally important to my wife, Nathalie, who has worked so hard to establish Austin’s Playrooms, an initiative that creates playrooms for children and families in medical facilities. In 1996, our son, Austin, was born profoundly premature and spent 71 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. While we were caring for Austin, we noticed there was nothing to engage his sisters, who were both toddlers at the time. The experience inspired Nathalie to create Austin’s Playrooms, and we are proud to have opened playrooms throughout the region and support military playrooms for special military families as well.

The Lemieux Foundation is not a short-term project for my wife or me, or the countless people who support our initiatives, but a lifelong opportunity for us to give hope to patients and families facing the frightening battle that I have known personally. It is my hope that you will decide to support the Foundation, whether for cancer research, patient care or Austin’s Playrooms. We pledge to use all money raised to assist those who need it most. Please know that your support allows us to continue to be More Courageous Together!

Dedicated to funding cancer research in the areas of Hodgkin's disease, pediatric oncology, research and treatment protocols as well as supporting patient care programs and the development of hospital playrooms through the Foundations Austin's Playrooms initiative.

Mario Lemieux Foundation is a Charity participating in the NASCAR Day Giveathon 2023 a Giving Day event, presented by The NASCAR Foundation.