The unwavering commitment of NHL star Nick Foligno to his family, particularly his daughter Milana, stands as a testament to his character both on and off the ice. From early childhood heart surgeries to recent follow-up procedures, Milana’s enduring battle with congenital heart disease has consistently seen her father step away from the game to be by her side, highlighting the profound strength and resilience of the entire Foligno family.
The hockey world recently witnessed another chapter in the deeply personal journey of NHL veteran Nick Foligno and his family. On October 15, 2025, the Chicago Blackhawks announced that their captain, Nick Foligno, would be taking a leave of absence. The reason, a familiar and profound one, was to be with his 12-year-old daughter, Milana, as she underwent a crucial follow-up surgery related to her lifelong battle with congenital heart disease.
This recent procedure is not an isolated event but a continuation of Milana’s courageous fight, a narrative that has deeply impacted the Foligno family and resonated with fans across the league. For Nick Foligno, prioritizing his family, especially his children’s health, has always superseded his professional obligations, earning him immense respect throughout his illustrious career.
Milana’s Lifelong Battle with Congenital Heart Disease
Milana Foligno’s health challenges began almost immediately after her birth on October 14, 2013. She was diagnosed with a rare form of congenital heart disease known as mitral valve arcade, a condition where her mitral valve failed to close properly, leading to potential heart failure. Just two to three weeks old, Milana underwent her first open-heart surgery at Boston Children’s Hospital to implant a replacement mitral valve designed to expand as she grew.
The initial procedure was successful, but the journey was far from over. In November 2018, Milana was diagnosed with endocarditis, a serious infection of the heart valve. This led to a second open-heart surgery in January 2019. During this harrowing period, Nick Foligno, then captain of the Columbus Blue Jackets, left the team on December 30, 2018, to be with his wife Janelle and 5-year-old Milana in Boston. His return to the lineup on January 10, 2019, was a powerful moment, signaling Milana’s initial recovery and the family’s gradual return to a semblance of normalcy.
The impact of Milana’s health journey on her family is profound. Nick Foligno reflected on the overwhelming support received from the Blue Jackets organization, the fans, and the wider hockey community during that time. He expressed deep gratitude for the well-wishes and the way his family was treated, emphasizing how such experiences humble you and reinforce a connection to the city and team. Seeing Milana, often referred to as their “warrior princess,” return to being a child and playing with her brothers was the ultimate sign of progress.
Beyond Milana: The Broader Family Challenges of 2019
The 2018-2019 season proved to be an exceptionally difficult period for the Foligno family, extending beyond Milana’s heart surgery. While Milana was recovering, Nick and Janelle’s two sons also faced significant health issues. In late February or early March 2019, their 3-year-old son, Landon, broke his right leg in a trampoline park accident, requiring a cast from his hip down.
Just seven days after Landon’s accident, their youngest son, 22-month-old Hudson, developed a severe case of pneumonia. Despite initial treatment, his condition deteriorated, leading to a collapsed lung and requiring him to be put on a ventilator. This sequence of events prompted Nick Foligno to take another leave of absence from the Blue Jackets, missing several road games to be with his family.
Through these multiple crises, Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella offered unwavering support, frequently checking in with Nick and reassuring him to prioritize his family above all else. Teammates, too, stayed connected through group texts, understanding the immense pressure Nick and Janelle were facing. This period underscored the true measure of Foligno’s dedication and the powerful bonds within the hockey community, as articulated by his teammates like Boone Jenner and Zach Werenski, who highlighted his importance both on and off the ice.
A Community Rallies and the Masterton Recognition
The collective strength shown by the Foligno family during these trying times deeply moved the hockey community. In recognition of his perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to ice hockey despite the profound personal challenges, Nick Foligno was nominated as a finalist for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy in 2019. This award, while humbling for Foligno, underscored his incredible ability to maintain focus on his professional duties while navigating a series of health crises at home.
Foligno himself acknowledged the “weird” feeling of being nominated, stating he never wanted it to come across as “poor me.” His perspective was that many people face tougher struggles, and he was blessed to play a game for a living. Yet, his ability to rally his team upon his return, particularly during the Blue Jackets’ improbable run to the 2019 playoffs and their historic first-round sweep of the Tampa Bay Lightning, demonstrated the profound impact of his leadership and resilience.
The support from teammates like Boone Jenner, who noted that “he means a lot to this team,” and coach John Tortorella, who prioritized Foligno’s family well-being over hockey, illustrated the strong human connections within the sport. This period solidified Foligno’s reputation as a leader who leads by example, both with his on-ice performance and his unwavering commitment to his loved ones.
Milana’s Ongoing Journey and the “Dear Heart” Project
As Milana Foligno, now 12, continues her journey, the family’s dedication to raising awareness and supporting others facing similar battles remains steadfast. The recent surgery on October 15, 2025, marks another significant step in managing her congenital heart disease. While the immediate details of the procedure are kept private, the family’s history of resilience provides comfort to those following their story.
Inspired by Milana’s experiences, Janelle and Nick Foligno co-authored the children’s book, “Dear Heart: A letter to my special heart.” This book, born from a poem Janelle wrote during Milana’s recovery from her second open-heart surgery, serves as a powerful charity platform for heart-related organizations. The initiative highlights their commitment to giving back and helping other families navigate similar challenges, as discussed in an interview with the NHL Players’ Association.
The Folignos are also ambassadors for the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, channeling their personal experiences into advocacy and support for others affected by heart conditions. This commitment reflects a profound transformation of personal adversity into a mission to help the broader community.
The Enduring Strength of a Family
The ongoing saga of Milana’s health, alongside the past challenges faced by Landon and Hudson, paints a picture of immense family strength. Nick Foligno often speaks of how his children’s fight makes him stronger, a humbling realization for any parent. He sees in Milana, in particular, a profound strength as she accepts her condition and continues to embrace life as a child, despite the traumatic procedures she has endured. Information on conditions like endocarditis can be found at reputable sources such as the Cleveland Clinic, highlighting the seriousness of these medical challenges.
As Nick Foligno steps away from the ice once more to support Milana, his actions resonate deeply within the sports world. His story is a powerful reminder that while professional athletes often achieve extraordinary feats, their most profound challenges and greatest victories often occur far from the bright lights of the arena, in the quiet, unwavering dedication to family.
