Ringing in 2025 was a little bittersweet as it’s the first time in our 25 plus years that Cindy and I weren’t together to ring in the new year in each other’s arms. But at the same time it set the stage for an epic “no coincidences” story that is one for the ages.
Nick Fioretto is a young man that is battling t-cell leukemia and recently became a Dawg Nation recipient. In my initial meeting with Nick I learned that he had grown up in Chicago and navigated a childhood that was filled with many challenges.
As we chatted I shared that we had another recipient from the Chicago area. In December of 2022, Aaron Hodge was victim in a brutal attack as five assailants physically assaulted and robbed him. The encounter was so severe that Aaron remained in coma for three day following the ordeal. Although Aaron is back on his feet and thriving, he still has lingering challenges from that terrifying night.
Now here’s the incredible “no coincidences” piece. Aaron is Dawg Nation’s only recipient we have ever had from the Chicago area and unbelievably he was teammates, roommates and best friends with Nick!! Until we connected the dots, neither had any idea that other was a DN recipient!!
After I shared this powerful and unlikely story, the NHL stepped up and treated us with tickets to the Winter Classic at Wrigley Field! Those tickets included slots for both Aaron and Nick as we were able to facilitate and emotional reunion of these two souls!
As usual, there were a few tricks up my sleeve including Spittin Chiclets, spending the day with a long time NHL defenseman, a visit from a former NHL referee, a. package from the NHL, and a few more memories along the way!
A huge thanks to the NHL, Elizabeth Hayward, Jan Hejda, Tim Peel, Mike Grinellii and Dan Edison for helping me pull it off!
Here’s to making memories and lifting up those who need it most! And Happy New Year!!
