It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the loss of one of our first Award winners. Kristine Pierce-Brassie passed away last week after a battle with cancer.
Her career at RIT was interrupted for nearly a year when she was diagnosed with Hodgkins disease in 1997. She underwent six months of treatment and was declared cancer free. She returned to the ice with a renewed appreciation and passion for life. Pierce-Brassie was a three-year team captain and beloved by her teammates. She immersed herself in hockey and education, but more importantly, helping others in the community. During and after her illness, she volunteered for more than 23 different causes. And each year she set up community service projects for her and her teammates. In 1999, she became the first woman and the first person in Division III to win the Hockey Humanitarian Award.
She was inducted into RIT’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007 and is its only player to date to have their number retired.
The Hockey Humanitarian Award Foundation extends its deepest condolences to her husband, children, family and friends.