Amid a tough season, Brendan Gallagher’s life has been turned completely upside down with a personal tragedy. His team, the Montreal Canadiens is languishing in the fifth spot in the Atlantic Division and is losing the battle against time in the Stanley Cup Playoffs race. Gallagher too has had a forgettable season both on and off the ice. To make matters worse, he suffered a huge personal setback, which caused the fans to get together to offer their tributes.
Hours ago, Gallagher shared that his mother, Della passed away after losing her battle against brain cancer. Fighting glioblastoma is an aggressive form of brain cancer, and the average life expectancy after being diagnosed with this form of cancer is just 14.6 months. Her condition was made public by Gallagher’s sister, who launched a fundraiser to help the research of this disease. Gallagher and his family have often shared her mother’s journey in her fight against cancer and he was left emotional after she lost her battle fighting the deadly disease.
It’s truly surprising how fast the time changes. Just yesterday, Gallagher was a star performer for the Canadiens as they dominated the Senators to win 6-3. The winger scored a goal and assisted another two to help his team to a crucial victory. But now, he is struck with grief as the woman who taught him resilience and faith, is no longer sharing the same warmth with him.
Taking to his Instagram, the alternate captain wrote, “ The best mom we could have had! Grateful for all the amazing memories we have. I will cherish them and remember them always. Not a day will go by I won’t want to pick up the phone and call you, or give you a big hug tell you I love you. But we will all charge on with everything you taught us making you proud every single day. Rest in peace mom, I love you. I miss you. Forever the best mom ”
Gallagher’s mother was diagnosed with brain cancer three years back after she suffered a seizure following a car crash and despite getting the best of treatments, she couldn’t win her fight against this. Nonetheless, she inspired her son and family with her positive attitude even during these tough times. “When it was all first going down at the hospital, her attitude was such a positive one, and that’s the attitude she’s had her entire life was to kick some a**. It’s pretty inspiring to see… The fight she has in her is pretty special,” Brendan said and his strong performances lately have been inspired by the fight his mother put up against cancer.
The Canadiens star shared a heartfelt post on social media, providing glimpses of the adorable moments spent with his mother. Gallagher remembered the time spent together with his mother right from their childhood days to the time he went on to become an NHL star. Reflecting on the same, he said, “Everything I am is from her. It’s a special relationship. She’ll be missed, but she’s with us every day and there won’t be a day that I don’t think of her. … Nobody’s here without their mom. Everyone knows that relationship.”
Meanwhile, the fans also paid their tributes as the hockey world mourned the saddening loss of Gallagher’s mother.
The NHL world is saddened by the passing away of Brendan Gallagher’s mother
Mourning the death of Gallagher’s mother, a fan wrote, “Now I understand that emotional performance vs Ottawa. May she rest in peace.” After scoring the goal, the Canadiens star had an emotional moment as he remembered his mother and the adorable times spent with her.
Further, fans were also amazed to see Gallagher shine on the ice amid these tough times for him and his family. At a time when his team badly needs him, Gallagher has stepped up despite losing his mother. “She has raised the biggest warrior of all time! Sincere condolences to you and your family,” a fan said, after being impressed by the courage shown by Gallagher to play on despite the personal setback.
Similarly, another Instagram user was deeply saddened to hear about the death of Gallagher’s mother and became emotional after looking at their pictures. The fan wrote, “deepest sympathies to u and the family,” as he stood by the Canadiens star in this time of difficulty.
Meanwhile, a few fans also remembered their personal setbacks, and strongly related to Gallagher’s fate. One of the fans explained how he faced this difficult time, saying, “I’m so sorry for your loss Gally, lost my mom at a young age and it is one of the toughest things to deal with. I bet she was absolutely proud to watch you play for the most prestigious hockey club in history.” While sympathizing with Gallagher, the fan remained confident that he would be able to overcome this and find joy again on the ice. Lastly, a fan got teary-eyed and mourned the loss of Gallagher’s mother. “So very sorry for your loss,” the fan said, having a few words to explain how saddened he was to hear about Gallagher’s tragedy.
Nonetheless, Gallagher proved why he was a man of steel and delivered a courageous performance against the Senators. He would look to continue his amazing form and make his mother proud, as she watches from heaven.
The post “Rest in Peace”: Netizens Mourn Canadiens’ Star’s Mother’s Death Due to Brain Cancer appeared first on EssentiallySports.