NHL prospect Austin Roest publicly shared his girlfriend Milara Okabe's diagnosis of stage 4 adenocarcinoma, expressing his unwavering support through an emotional social media post last week. Okabe, a former figure skater, is battling a form of cancer that affects organ glands.
Roest, a sixth-round pick by the Nashville Predators in 2023, described Okabe as "the strongest person" he knows and conveyed his belief in her ability to overcome the illness. "No one deserves to go through this. That being said, I have no doubt in my mind you will beat cancer," Roest wrote in an Instagram post. "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."
A GoFundMe page was established by Kristin LeDuc, a friend of Okabe's, to assist Okabe and her family with treatment-related expenses. The page states that funds raised will go toward her medical care and other associated costs. As of Monday night, the campaign had garnered over 76,000 Canadian dollars, nearing its CA$80,000 goal.
The GoFundMe description highlights Okabe's character, calling her "a kind, strong and selfless person who means so much to everyone around her." It notes her passion for skating, both as a former high-level skater and as an instructor for children, and her strong connections with friends and family. The page also details the financial burdens Okabe faces, including time away from work, travel and accommodation expenses, medications, and fertility preservation.
Okabe herself shared her diagnosis on social media, expressing gratitude for the support system around her. The couple began dating in June 2023.
Roest, who has not yet appeared in an NHL contest, split his previous season between the American Hockey League's Milwaukee Admirals and the ECHL's Atlanta Gladiators.