It's clear that Okotoks' skating community is "on thin ice" when it comes to supporting their beloved coach, Milara Okabe.
The Okotoks skating community is coming together to support one of their own, Milara Okabe, a 22-year-old skating coach who was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer that begins in glandular cells and can affect different parts of the body.
The Okotoks Skating Club (OSC) has started a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for Okabe and her family as they navigate treatment. The campaign, which has already reached $91,000, aims to ease some of the financial pressure and allow Okabe to focus on her care and well-being.
OSC is also collecting cards from skaters, where Okabe’s students can write, draw, or share one of their favorite memories of her. The club will then send a care basket to help brighten Okabe’s days as she continues treatment.
Okabe’s boyfriend, NHL prospect Austin Roest, has been promoting the GoFundMe campaign and sharing updates on her condition. The hockey community has also rallied around Okabe, with publications like the Daily Mail, E! News, and New York Post Sports sharing the story.
Okabe announced the news of her diagnosis on Sept. 3, saying there is a lot of fear of the unknown, but that she is extremely lucky to have her friends and family. She expressed gratitude to everyone who has supported her in any way.
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