The hockey community was shaken to its core as tragic news unfolded regarding Chris Snow, the assistant general manager of the Calgary Flames, who has been courageously battling the relentless duo of ALS and cancer over the past few years.
A somber announcement from his wife, Kelsie Snow, painted a heart-wrenching picture of a catastrophic turn of events as Chris faced cardiac arrest, leading to a devastating brain injury.
In an emotional post shared on social media, Kelsie Snow revealed the heartbreak that had engulfed her world. She wrote, “With a shattered heart, I’ve come to share that yesterday Chris became unresponsive and went into cardiac arrest. Paramedics and doctors were able to get his heart beating again but, devastatingly, a scan showed Chris has suffered a catastrophic brain injury caused by lack of oxygen. His doctors do not expect him to wake up from this. My chest feels cracked open and hollowed out. Chris is the most beautiful, brilliant person I’ll ever know and doing life without him feels untenable. Hug your people.”
Chris Snow’s battle against ALS was all the more poignant because of its tragic history within his family. ALS had already claimed the lives of his father, two uncles, and one cousin. In a poignant interview last year, Chris had opened up about his journey, saying, “I was not scared until my dad was diagnosed.” Despite the shadow of this merciless disease looming over his family, Chris continued to dedicate himself to the Flames, overseeing a multifaceted digital repository for data and video, as reported by The New York Times.
In 2019, at the age of 42, Chris Snow was handed the devastating diagnosis of ALS, with a prognosis of just one year to live. However, he defied the odds by participating in an experimental treatment that targeted the effects of the mutated gene responsible for the disease. Kelsie Snow had shared their hope and progress regarding this experimental drug in 2019, shedding light on their journey to fight ALS together.
The Calgary Flames, an organization that has been deeply touched by Chris Snow’s presence, expressed their profound admiration and support. In a heartfelt tribute, they stated, “We cannot convey the impact Chris has on our organization, not only in his work but the leadership & positivity he brings. Despite his own challenges, he is a beacon of light, uplifting all of us around him. Our hearts are with Kelsie, [and their children] Cohen & Willa as Chris continues to battle.”
The hockey world, known for its unyielding camaraderie and solidarity, rallied behind Chris Snow, offering their thoughts, prayers, and unwavering support during this heartbreaking chapter. Chris’s resilience and spirit have left an indelible mark on the Flames and the entire hockey community, reminding us all to cherish our loved ones and hold them close, for life’s fragility is an undeniable truth.
