Minnesota Hockey Mom Named 'Mom of the Year' While Battling Cancer

↑
↑

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. named-mom-of-the-year-while-battling-cancer.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, January 1st 2026 at 13:37 GMT by CBS News
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Minnesota Hockey Mom Named "Mom of the Year" While Fighting Breast Cancer: A Story of Strength and Community

Jacqueline Nowakowski, a dedicated hockey mom from Blaine, Minnesota, has been named Minnesota Hockey’s “Mom of the Year.” The honor is typically bestowed upon a mother who exemplifies outstanding support for youth hockey in the state. However, this year's recognition carries an extra layer of significance: Jacqueline is receiving the award while actively battling stage four metastatic breast cancer. Her story, shared by CBS News and local media outlets like KSTP-TV, is a powerful testament to resilience, unwavering dedication to her family, and the incredible support within the hockey community.

Jacqueline’s journey began in 2019 when she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. Initially, it seemed manageable with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. She diligently pursued treatment, believing she was on a path toward recovery. However, in late 2023, the devastating news arrived: the cancer had metastasized, spreading to her bones and lungs. This diagnosis transformed her battle into a fight for survival against an incurable disease.

Despite facing this grim reality, Jacqueline's focus remains firmly rooted in supporting her family, particularly her two sons, Ethan (16) and Owen (12). Both boys are passionate hockey players, with Ethan playing high school hockey and Owen actively involved in youth leagues. For years, Jacqueline has been the quintessential hockey mom – driving to practices, volunteering at tournaments, organizing team events, and being a constant source of encouragement for her sons and their teammates. She’s known for her positive attitude, unwavering enthusiasm, and willingness to lend a helping hand whenever needed.

"She just always puts everyone else first,” said Mark Nowakowski, Jacqueline's husband, in an interview with KSTP-TV. “It doesn’t matter how she feels. It’s about the boys, it’s about their team.” He further explained that her cancer diagnosis has been incredibly challenging for the entire family, but her spirit remains unbroken.

The nomination for "Mom of the Year" came as a surprise to Jacqueline and her family. According to Minnesota Hockey's website, the award recognizes parents who go above and beyond in supporting youth hockey programs. Nominations are typically based on contributions like volunteering time, fundraising efforts, providing transportation, or simply offering emotional support to players and families. Jacqueline’s consistent dedication over the years clearly resonated with those who nominated her.

The outpouring of support from the Minnesota hockey community has been remarkable. A GoFundMe campaign was launched by friends and teammates' parents to help offset the mounting medical expenses associated with Jacqueline’s treatment, which includes ongoing chemotherapy and other therapies. The campaign quickly surpassed its initial goal, demonstrating the deep affection and respect held for her within the community. As of this writing, it has raised over $85,000. (You can find the GoFundMe page here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-jacqueline-nowakowski).

Beyond financial assistance, Jacqueline has received an overwhelming amount of emotional support. Teammates and parents have offered meals, childcare, transportation to appointments, and simply a listening ear. The hockey team itself has rallied around the family, organizing events and sending messages of encouragement. This collective effort highlights the strong bonds that often form within youth sports communities.

Jacqueline's acceptance of the "Mom of the Year" award will be particularly poignant. While she acknowledges the honor is incredibly meaningful, she also emphasizes that she’s simply doing what any devoted mother would do: supporting her children and cherishing every moment. She hopes her story can inspire others facing difficult challenges to remain positive and find strength in their communities.

“It's just been amazing to see how everyone has come together,” Jacqueline told CBS News. “It means the world to me, and it gives me a lot of hope.”

The Minnesota Hockey organization plans to present Jacqueline with the award at an upcoming ceremony. The event will undoubtedly be filled with emotion and serve as a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the importance of community support in times of adversity. Jacqueline Nowakowski’s story is more than just a local news item; it's a testament to the enduring power of love, dedication, and the unwavering bonds that tie families and communities together, even in the face of unimaginable challenges. It also underscores the ongoing need for breast cancer research and support services for those battling this disease.

I hope this article meets your requirements! Let me know if you’d like any revisions or further details added.