Diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease 18 years ago, Mario Lemieux won his battle with cancer and returned to play at the highest level in the National Hockey League.

Now, the foundation bearing his name is out to help as many other cancer patients as possible.

Established in 1993, the Mario Lemieux Foundation raises money for cancer and neonatal research as well as Austin’s Playroom Project, an initiative that creates sibling playrooms in medical facilities across North America.

The former Pittsburgh Penguins star takes an active role in the charity’s efforts. His foundation has contributed $10 million to various causes since its creation.

Cancer patients and researchers

“He’s very hands-on and at all the board meetings,” foundation marketing manager Andrew Parish said of Lemieux. “He’s involved with every big decision, such as where the money goes and which events we do.”

Aiding cancer patients and funding researchers in the oncology field are primary goals of the foundation.

Among its donations was a $5 million gift to UPMC Health System, which established the Mario Lemieux Centers for Patient Care and Research in 2001. A year later, the foundation established an endowed chair in pediatric oncology research at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh with a $1 million gift.

And the foundation’s latest donation was a $3 million gift to the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute in 2010 to create the Mario Lemieux Center for Blood Cancers at the Hillman Cancer Center.

“If Mario were diagnosed with Hodgkin’s today in the Pittsburgh area, this is where he would come,” Parish said of the Hillman Cancer Center. “He has the experience of knowing exactly what the patients are going through.

“When money is donated, he makes sure it’s being put where it can do the most good and help the most people.”

Austin's Playroom

After Lemieux’s son, Austin, was born prematurely, the Hall of Famer and his wife, Nathalie, began raising money to help families dealing with ill children. Spaces were created at hospitals where siblings of the patients could play.

The foundation’s Austin’s Playroom Project financed the construction of 24 hospital play areas in western Pennsylvania. A 25th opened in September at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., where children of wounded warriors can play.

Parish said three more are expected to open by year’s end. The foundation is a separate entity from the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation, which is actively involved in various youth programs in the region.

“The two foundations do work hand-in-hand, though,” Parish said. “We do some fundraisers together.”

Fantasy hockey camp

The next major Mario Lemieux Foundation event comes Jan. 4-8, when the Mario Lemieux Fantasy Hockey Camp is held.

A total of 64 campers contributed $7,566 each to skate alongside Lemieux, Mark Recchi, Gary Roberts, Bill Guerin, Mike Eruzione and Bryan Trottier, among others.

All proceeds from the event will go to the Mario Lemieux Center for Blood Cancers.

“It’s sold out, and we have 10 people on the waiting list,” Parish said. “It’s going to be a cool, unique experience.”

In addition to playing five games, campers will get to practice one day under the watchful eye of current Penguins head coach Dan Bylsma. Each attendee receives his or her own helmet, gloves and two personalized jerseys.

Lemieux, who now owns the Penguins, was one of the NHL’s brightest stars during a career that began in 1984.

Only eight players in league history scored more goals than Lemieux, who finished with 690 in 915 career games. And only Mike Bossy (.762) had a higher goals-per-game average than Lemieux’s .754.