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(Update)
The Hamilton Red Wings hockey team hosted a fundraiser tonight after one of its players suffered a major stroke last May. 19-year old Riley Dunda is on the road to recovery. And the ‘Fight Riley Fight’ night is looking to raise money for the Hamilton Health Sciences stroke program.
Riley Dunda: “Thank you to the fans, thank you to my family. You guys have been great throughout this whole thing.”
For Riley Dunda, all he wants is to be a normal 19-year old.
Riley Dunda: “The faster this is over with, the faster I can start living a normal life.”
But Riley has shown that he isn’t — he’s better.
On May 4th, the Hamilton Red Wings forward suffered a massive stroke that shut off his control to the right side of his body. But thanks to his ferocious attitude tackling his rigorous rehabilitation, Riley has something to smile about: “Talking. I missed it. Now I can say whatever I want.”
Red Wings captain Jason O’Connor: “I saw him a few days after the whole thing happened and just to see him go from there to where he is now is awesome to see.”
Richard Dunda, Riley’s dad: “He attacks everyday with his physio and his speech and cognitive therapy like he did when he played hockey, and he’s getting those outcomes.”
Those outcomes wouldn’t be possible without the Hamilton Health Sciences stroke program — Ontario’s largest integrated stroke program, and the main recipient to all proceeds during ‘Fight Riley Fight’ night at the Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena.
Riley Dunda: “I honestly owe everything to them.”
Richard Dunda: “This facility that’s in Hamilton is a world class facility with world class doctors.”
Fight Riley Fight night is one way the hockey community and beyond have come together to support Riley and the Dunda family during this journey.”
Jason O’Connor: “Everybody rallies together and it’s great to see and he definitely sees that support.”
Richard Dunda: “He heard from all kinds of NHL’ers. Brian McGrattan has been a huge, just a huge role for him.”
Riley Dunda: “Keeps me kind of star struck — definitely a cool experience.”
Speaking of star struck, the Los Angeles Kings, Riley’s favourite team and last year’s Stanley Cup Champions, have truly embraced Riley and have actually invited him to their home opener in October.
