Nick Foligno Takes Leave from Blackhawks for Daughter’s Surgery

NHL player Nick Foligno has announced a temporary leave of absence from his role as captain of the Chicago Blackhawks to support his family as his daughter, Milana, undergoes another surgery related to her congenital heart disease. The team’s official statement confirmed this decision, emphasizing the family’s privacy during this challenging time.

The journey of the Foligno family began in October 2013 when Milana was diagnosed with a heart defect just weeks after her birth. This diagnosis set off a series of medical challenges, culminating in two life-saving surgeries by the age of seven. By 2018, she faced endocarditis, a severe inflammation of the heart’s inner lining, which further complicated her health situation.

In response to these experiences, Janelle Foligno, Nick’s wife, has become a prominent advocate for childhood heart health. After Milana’s surgeries, she penned a children’s book titled *Dear Heart: A Letter to My Special Heart*, inspired by her daughter’s resilience. Janelle described the writing process as a therapeutic outlet that helped her cope with the emotional turmoil of their family’s journey.

In 2020, the couple launched a media platform called Heart’s Playbook to share their story and connect with others facing similar challenges. “This is us. We’re the Folignos. These kids you see are the driving force behind everything we do,” they stated in an Instagram announcement. Their mission is to foster positivity and provide support to families navigating serious health issues.

Janelle’s advocacy work has evolved from a personal coping mechanism to a broader effort aimed at inspiring others. “We have always been passionate about philanthropy and giving back,” she noted in a 2021 interview. “If we can help people along the way, the way we’ve been helped in the past, then it will all be worthwhile.”

Nick Foligno echoed these sentiments in a 2018 interview, explaining how Janelle’s writing turned their family’s traumatic experiences into a source of hope for others. “She writes out of her emotions. There’s not a lot of literature for kids to prepare them for what they are about to face,” he remarked.

The Foligno family’s commitment to philanthropy was further highlighted in 2016 when they made a generous donation of $500,000 to Boston Children’s Hospital, in gratitude for the life-saving care Milana received. Nick emphasized the importance of giving back, stating, “I want to provide for a lot of other families.”

November has become a particularly significant month for the Folignos, as they reflect on the anniversaries of Milana’s surgeries. Janelle expressed her complex emotions surrounding this time, noting, “Despite the inevitable anxiousness, November brings me gratitude for everything that has come our way.”

As Nick takes time away from the sport he loves to support his family, the community of fans and fellow players stands behind him, offering thoughts and prayers for Milana’s health. The Foligno family’s journey underscores the resilience and strength that can emerge from adversity, inspiring others to engage in conversations about childhood heart health.

With Nick’s current leave from the Blackhawks, the focus remains on the well-being of Milana and the entire Foligno family as they navigate this latest chapter in their journey.