It is a heartfelt accomplishment that would no doubt make the late Janis Foligno proud.
On Mother’s Day it was announced that over $200K was raised through the Foligno Face-Off, which will establish a breast cancer research grant in Minnesota in honour of Marcus and Nick Foligno’s mother, Janis, who died of breast cancer on July 27, 2009.
The brothers and Minnesota Wild teammates, along with their sisters, Cara and Lisa, and their father and former NHL forward, Mike Foligno, couldn’t be happier.
“The grant came about in recognition of our mother and her courageous fight with breast cancer that we’ve since carried on in her name,” said Nick. “We appreciate the V Foundation so much for making this incredible grant donation in her name after a great partnership with them for the Foligno Face-Off.”
Launched in November in partnership with the NHLPA, NHL and V Foundation for Cancer Research through Hockey Fights Cancer, the Foligno Face-Off campaign originally highlighted matchups between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Minnesota Wild, turning the brothers’ on-ice rivalry into an opportunity to rally fans and supporters around breast cancer research fundraising efforts.
That changed on March 6, 2026, when Nick, then captain of the Blackhawks, was traded to the Wild to mark the first time the brothers played together during their NHL careers.
While the move altered the original structure of the Foligno Face-Off, it didn’t change the brothers’ plans of a longstanding commitment to supporting cancer research and care.
“Marcus and I and our entire family first and foremost want to thank the fans for their incredible support to make this initiative a great success,” said Nick. “To partner with the V Foundation, NHLPA and NHL was an incredible honour and we appreciate their support of the Foligno Face-Off.
“They energized us to continue the fight that we have taken head-on after our mother’s passing and couldn’t be prouder of the campaign we led.”
Marcus jumped at the chance to honour his late mother in a unique and playful way.
With donations still coming in, surpassing $200,000 marked a significant benchmark towards funding the breast cancer research grant through the V Foundation in honour of Janis.
Every direct donation supports groundbreaking breast cancer research through the V Foundation at leading institutions across North America, helping drive discoveries, advancing care and saving lives.
“My mom Janis was the best mom out there but what her so special was just the way she cared for us,” said Marcus. “Someone that was just a huge mentor in our life and someone we dearly miss.”
Lisa is appreciative of her brothers’ heartfelt efforts.
“I’m incredibly proud of Nick and Marcus for serving as ambassadors for this campaign and for the way they’ve built relationships throughout their careers that have inspired so many people to connect with and support this mission.
“The support we’ve seen for the Foligno Face-Off initiative, and for so many others over the years, has truly meant everything to our family,” continued Lisa. “The reality is, we can’t do this alone. In life, and especially with a mission like this, success comes from having an incredible support system around you.”
“It’s been so amazing and touching to see fans come together, from all different cities, to support Nick and Marcus and the good work they are doing,” said Cara. “I am proud of my brothers for using their voice and platform to bring good and be advocates for raising awareness and funds for causes so close to our family’s heart.
Teaming up to make a difference extends beyond the philanthropic world for Marcus and Nick.
“Having the chance to play for the Stanley Cup is something you appreciate on so many levels,” said Nick. “But now, to be able to do this with Marcus – it makes it even more special. We feel very fortunate not only to be on the same team, but to also have an opportunity to chase that Cup dream together.”
In 2010, Marcus, Nick, Cara, Lisa and Mike established the Janis Foligno Foundation in their hometown of Sudbury, Ontario. As of late 2025, the foundation has raised more than $1.2 million to support breast cancer research and patient care.
“My mom was beautiful, inside and out,” shared Lisa. “She had this innate ability to connect with people and make them feel seen for who they really were, while also inspiring them to become the best versions of themselves. She was compassionate and kind, but at the same time tough and resilient. Her greatest pride and joy were her kids, and we felt that every single day. She embodied what it meant to be a mother. Often having to show tough love but never forgetting to show true love.
“She genuinely loved helping people, but she never wanted attention or recognition for it. She was a quiet force in many ways. I think that’s why her impact continues to live on so strongly today.”
“My mom was always so caring for others,” said Cara. “She showed love not just through words, but through her actions – always thinking of others, offering support, and putting people first even when it wasn’t easy. For our family, carrying those values forward is important because it keeps her spirit alive, it’s part of the foundation she built for our family. We know that the smallest acts of kindness can have the greatest impact and we try to make her proud each and every day.”
“It was important for us to keep her memory alive and to continue to bring awareness and care to those battling breast cancer,” said Nick, who along with Marcus are among the 14 Hockey Fights Cancer Champions, using their platforms to raise awareness and inspire support within the hockey community.
“To the fans and countless people who supported us through donations or encouraging messages, past and present, we thank you for joining our fight and continuing to inspire us to do our part because we know this cause is one that touches so many lives.”
They have plenty of support behind them.
Earlier this week, leading into Mother’s Day, the NHLPA also announced a matching gift for all Foligno Face-Off donations up to $5,000.
“I remember my dad saying to the boys when they made the NHL and played for so many years in the league, ‘Be good to the game, and the game will be good to you,’” said Cara.
Added Nick, “Family is everything to us. We wouldn’t be where we are without them. In good times or bad, they are always there for us, always cheering us on. That means everything to us. It inspires you and pushes you to give your best every time.”
An approach that guides Marcus, Nick and the entire Foligno family in all they do.
“Whether people know us personally or not, every individual who has supported this latest initiative has shown tremendous generosity, compassion, and belief in what the Janis Foligno Foundation, the Heart’s Playbook, and the V Foundation are working to accomplish,” said Cara. “Unfortunately, cancer touches all our lives in some way. We all know someone who has battled it, and that shared experience creates a powerful sense of community.
“The game has definitely been good to our family in many ways, but kudos to Nick and Marcus for being wonderful ambassadors for the game and league with all the good work they are doing to bring joy and hope to others.”
