A day after the death of Julia Rowe, the Hurricanes still were coming to grips with the loss of a vibrant young girl whose fight against leukemia was such an inspiration in 2006 as the team swept to the Stanley Cup.
"It definitely hit home," goaltender Cam Ward said today. "She obviously was a special young girl and obviously a big part of our Stanley Cup run. We dedicated that run on her behalf and as time went on we were really close, as an entire team."
Forward Justin Williams and his wife are good friends of the Rowe family and Williams saw Julia just a few days before her death early Tuesday morning. Julia Rowe was 8 years old.
"She was as much a part of this team as anyone was," Williams said. "She was the bravest girl I've ever met."
The Rowe family, in a statement released by the team, expressed their appreciation to the Hurricanes, Canes fans and all who mourn Julia's passing. They said Julia's death should be a reminder that many children fight leukemia and "far too many don't win that fight."
Hurricanes president and general manager Jim Rutherford said, "Julia will be missed, but it is clear from the many letters, emails and phone calls we are already receiving at our offices that she will live on in the hearts of a whole lot of people, for a long time."
During the 2006 playoffs, Canes coach Pete Laviolette started a fund-raising campaign to raise awareness and money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The sale of wristbands and autographed bottles of Shafer Vineyards' Relentless wine, proceeds from the Friesen 5K Fun run and private donations raised more than $60,000 from April to September 2006.
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at 
Comments
Do something, because you can.
Wed, 08/27/2008 - 16:20 — The Sliding Pokecheck (not verified)If this doesn't get each and every Hurricanes fan to register for the Friesen 5K, I can't imagine what will.
You don't have to run! You can walk around the RBC Center, or you can bring a lounge chair and just hang out, eat some pancakes, maybe win some cool stuff in the drawing after the race -- just register for it. If you can't afford the $25 ($30 day of), spread the word -- that helps, too.