Grant Jennings, a two-time Stanley Cup Champion, has always been known for his strength, resilience, and unwavering determination. Now, he faces his toughest challenge yet. Grant has been diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy – Cerebellar Type (MSA-C), a rare, progressive, and currently incurable neurodegenerative disease. MSA-C attacks the body’s autonomic nervous system and cerebellum, gradually taking away a person’s ability to walk, speak, swallow, maintain balance, regulate blood pressure, control bladder function, coordinate movement, and perform even the simplest daily tasks. As the disease progresses, many people become wheelchair-bound and eventually lose the ability to speak and swallow independently. Unlike Parkinson’s disease, MSA progresses much more rapidly. Most people diagnosed with MSA survive only 6 to 10 years from the onset of symptoms, although every journey is different. There is currently no cure and no treatment proven to stop or slow its progression. Families are left navigating an illness that steals independence one day at a time while offering little hope beyond supportive care.

Sadly, Grant’s condition is progressing quickly. The disease has already begun taking away the independence that has defined him his entire life. Walking has become increasingly difficult. His balance is deteriorating. Everyday tasks that once seemed effortless now require tremendous energy and determination. Watching someone who was once known for his physical strength, toughness, and resilience slowly lose those abilities is heartbreaking beyond words. Despite everything, Grant continues to face each day with incredible courage. He approaches this disease the same way he approached every challenge throughout his life—with determination, grace, and an unwavering love for his family. But this is one battle that heart and determination alone cannot win.

Grant’s hockey journey began with the Notre Dame Hounds, Humboldt Broncos, and Saskatoon Blades before he made his way to the National Hockey League as an undrafted free agent. Through relentless determination and grit, he earned a career with the Washington Capitals, Hartford Whalers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Buffalo Sabres. His greatest accomplishments came with the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he helped the team win back-to-back Stanley Cup Championships in 1991 and 1992. When his playing days came to an end, Grant carried that same work ethic into a second career as an aircraft mechanic in Alaska. Grant is a devoted father to Harrison and Gordon, brother to Guy and Marlene, friend, and teammate whose strength, humility, and quiet generosity have touched countless lives. Today, however, Grant is facing an opponent that cannot be checked into the boards.

As his needs continue to grow, so do the financial burdens. The costs associated with MSA-C are overwhelming and extend far beyond what insurance covers. Your generosity will help provide specialized medical care and neurological consultations, travel to physicians, specialists, and treatment centers, experimental therapies and clinical evaluations when available, mobility equipment and home modifications, prescription medications and supportive care, physical, occupational, and speech therapies, in-home caregiving as the disease progresses, and other essential medical expenses not covered by insurance. Every dollar raised will allow Grant to pursue the best care available while easing the financial burden on our family during this incredibly difficult journey.

Today, we are asking for help on his behalf. Whether you know Grant from his NHL career, his years working in Alaska, or simply through a shared friendship, we hope you’ll consider supporting him during the toughest fight of his life. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your prayers, your generosity, and your support. Your kindness means more to our family than words can ever express. Thank you.