NHL prospect Austin Roest has shared a deeply personal and emotional message detailing his girlfriend Milly Okabe's battle with stage 4 adenocarcinoma. The 22-year-old hockey player posted his support on Instagram after Okabe's diagnosis with the aggressive form of cancer, which originates in the gland cells lining internal organs.
"Milly, I don't even know what to say," Roest wrote in his post. "I am so sorry this is happening to you. No one deserves to go through this. That being said, I have no doubt in my mind you will beat cancer. You are the strongest person I know and I know you will overcome everything that comes your way over the next year. I love you so much and I will be right there with you through all of this."
Roest, who was drafted by the Nashville Predators, accompanied his message with two photos from Okabe's hospital room, including one of them together. Okabe, also 22, shared her own social media post last week, expressing gratitude for her support system.
"There's a lot of fear of the unknown, but what I do know is that I am extremely lucky in this life to have friends that are family, and a family that loves me this hard," Okabe wrote. "Thank you to everyone who has supported me in any way. I'm so extremely grateful."
To assist Okabe and her family during this challenging period, a GoFundMe page has been established. A friend of Okabe's set up the fundraiser, stating that "she and her loved ones are now facing a journey no one could ever be prepared for."
The GoFundMe description highlights Okabe's character, describing her as "a kind, strong and selfless person who means so much to everyone around her." It also notes her passion for skating, both as a former high-level skater and as an instructor for children. The page outlines the various financial burdens the family is facing, including time away from work, travel and accommodation costs, medications, and fertility preservation.
"Our hope is to surround Milara and her family with the same love and support they have always shown the people around them," the fundraiser reads. "By easing some of the financial pressure, we hope they can focus their energy on what matters most right now Milara's care, well-being, and spending time together as a family."
Roest, a right wing from British Columbia, was selected by the Predators in the sixth round of the 2023 NHL Draft. He played last season with the Milwaukee Admirals of the AHL and the Atlanta Gladiators of the ECHL, both of which are affiliates of the Predators.
Roest and Okabe have reportedly been dating for over three years, with Roest having posted a tribute to their one-year anniversary in June 2024.