Cheering for Recovery: The Story of Two Brave Comets Fans Allison Eastman and Hilary Pruitt
November 4, 2025
Utica, New York – As the Comets prepared for Muzzy and Mullet on Friday, we had the privilege of hearing the stories of two men who bravely battled serious illness and are integral members of the Comets community.
Allison Eastman, 31, of Deerfield, N.Y., was diagnosed at two months old with neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder that affects the nervous system and skin and is characterized by the growth of noncancerous tumors in the nervous system. Her life included frequent doctor’s visits, MRIs and surgeries. She had her first surgery at age 12 to remove a tumor from her shoulder. The disease also plagued Alison, who suffered from epilepsy and learning disabilities, common symptoms of neurofibromatosis, but that didn’t stop her from graduating high school and earning a human services degree in college.
Just recently, Alison underwent an invasive and intensive surgery to remove a tumor from her spinal cord and is temporarily confined to a wheelchair. After spending 10 days in the hospital and another 10 days in rehab, she returned home to the love and support of family and friends, whom she calls her army.
Before her latest surgery, Alison was excited to practice some of her favorite sports, such as judo. However, after surgery, life became more restricted, with difficulty walking short distances and standing for long periods of time.
Even though Allison was experiencing increasing restrictions and pain every day, she continued to fight as she had done her entire life. Hockey is one of her main motivators, she said. Allison joined the Comets community four years ago after attending her first game with an old high school friend who was a season-ticket holder and was immediately hooked, so much so that she named her cat after Comets mascot Noddy. Alison herself has been a season ticket holder for three years and her mum has also become a fan.
While Allison enjoys the fast pace of the game and the roar of the home fans after a goal is scored, watching the Comets play has a deeper meaning to her. “I don’t focus too much on losing because, to me, hockey is about community. If you want to win in hockey, you’re going to have a lot of disappointments in life. I’ve made a lot of friends in the hockey community and we do things together besides watching the Comets play, which I think is the most beautiful part,” she said. Some of the activities she enjoys doing with Comets fans include bowling and attending concerts.
Alison’s positive attitude through everything she has been through is inspiring. Her message to others living with neurofibromatosis applies to everyone, and that’s to live life to the fullest, whether that’s skydiving or driving to a different state to watch your favorite hockey team play. She added that being involved in the community is crucial. “Be a part of something so you have something to fight for and look forward to so you don’t get caught up in what’s going on. You need a reason to surrender. When you don’t have a reason to surrender, whatever you’re going through is going to be that much harder. To me, it’s about getting better. And fighting so I can get back to playing for the Comets, that’s why I fight.” Not only did Allison attend the Comets’ game against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins last Saturday, but she also had the honor of performing the ball drop ceremony, which was undoubtedly the highlight of her latest hard-fought game.
Utica resident Hillary Pruitt, 33, began her fight in 2021 when she was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. After a successful surgery and months of chemotherapy and radiation, she was declared cancer-free. However, in June of this year, the Pruitt family received tragic news: Hillary’s breast cancer had returned and had metastasized to one of her lungs and part of her brain.
In the face of this difficult diagnosis, Hillary recommitted herself to the fight against cancer, and her husband, Austin, was kind enough to share what life is like for Hillary and the Pruitt family. “It takes everything to get through this. 2021 is her first year with cancer and it’s been a long year. We thought it was over, but recently found out it’s not.”
Austin added that Hilary has been unable to work and her energy levels vary from day to day. Sometimes she is able to participate in whatever is happening at home, sometimes she is forced to take a break. Austin said life would be much more difficult without their support system. “Our family and friends are amazing. We have people contacting us every day, offering to buy us meals, and offering to help with everything.”
Family means everything to Hillary, and her 20-month-old son Alexander gives her the strength to fight. Her message to other women fighting the same battle is to keep your head down and take it one day at a time because this is a marathon, not a sprint.
The Pruitts have been Comets season ticket holders for four years. Hillary grew up in Virginia, and although she didn’t play or develop a passion for hockey most of her life, she fell in love with the game when Austin took her to her first Comets game seven years ago.
Like Allison Eastman, Hilary and Austin have developed strong ties to the Comet community, which is why they keep coming back to the Adirondack Bank Center. Even with her recent games, Hilary still looks forward to watching every Comets game she can, which is one of her motivations for fighting.
Hilary and her family will perform the puck drop ceremony on Friday, November 7th at Muzzy and Mullet NightthWhen asked what this movement means to the Pruitt family, Austin said, “It’s incredible that this organization is a part of it. Just knowing that other people care about what’s going on with you and that you’re not alone, it means a lot.”
It’s people like Allison and Hilary that make the Comet community truly special, and we wish them the utmost strength as they continue their personal battles. The Comets will take on the Belleville Senators this Friday at 7 p.m. on Muzzy and Mullet Night. For tickets or more information, visit uticacomets.com/tickets or call 315-790-9070.
