CHL Colorado Eagles

Exhibition Games to Double as Fundraiser

Published on October 13, 2004 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Colorado Eagles News Release


WINDSOR, CO – The Colorado Eagles of the Central Hockey League will not only be playing exhibition games this weekend, but also they will be trying to save a life.

Doug Sutton of Longmont, 39, has been diagnosed with pseudomyxoma peritonei syndrome, a rare appendix cancer occurring in about one in a million people. He was rushed to the emergency room in early July and found out that the pain in his stomach when he ate was more than just a minor medical problem. The surgery needed to rid him of the problem that costs $125,000. If he does not receive the surgery, pseudomyxoma peritonei syndrome is fatal causing a slow and miserable death through starvation according to Doug Sutton's doctor.

The Sutton family is among the increasing number of Americans without health insurance. Sutton lost benefits through his construction company when his stomach problems forced him to stop working full time. His wife Maria brings home a little more than $1,000 per month, which is enough to disqualify them for Medicare or Medicaid. When the time came for the family to choose between health insurance and eating, they chose feeding themselves and their two daughters, Veronica, 6, and Victoria, 8.

Luckily enough, the Sutton's have found a very generous doctor that has already cut the cost of the procedure by about $45,000. Through other fundraising campaigns, the family has raised about $30,000. With $50,000 more to go, the Colorado Eagles will have donation buckets for their fans at both of their exhibition games this weekend. The buckets will be located at the main entrance to the Budweiser Events Center and at the east entrance as well.

All donations are tax-deductible through the Sutton's church, the First Lutheran Church in Longmont. The surgery has been planned for November 2, 2004 and the $30,000 raised thus far will serve as a down payment for the surgery. With $50,000 to go, the Eagles are asking that fans help to save this man's life by donating whatever possible to this worthy cause.

Local businesses Water Valley and Diamond G have been generous enough to each match dollar for dollar any of the funds raised at the two exhibition games and present the money to Mr. Sutton and his family hoping to help him pay for the rest of the surgery.

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Central Hockey League Stories from October 13, 2004


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