Anna Dunn and Mark Messier had an unexpected lunch together at The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald in downtown Edmonton before Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final. Anna, a cancer survivor and former college soccer player, received a surprise call from Messier arranged by a mutual friend. Both were touched by each other’s stories, with Messier calling Anna an inspiration.
During lunch, they discussed their lives, dreams, and struggles, with Messier even gifting Anna tickets to the game and promising to help her meet her favorite player, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. The emotional meeting left both Anna and her father in tears, with Messier expressing his admiration for Anna’s resilience and determination.
The encounter was documented by NHL Studios to inspire others facing similar challenges. Anna’s journey from diagnosis to amputation to learning to walk with a prosthetic leg touched Messier, who pledged to stay in touch and support her along her journey.
The lunch not only brought together two strangers but also fostered a deep connection and lifelong friendship between Anna and Messier. The unexpected meeting left a lasting impact on both parties, showcasing the power of kindness, compassion, and human connection in the face of adversity.