Matthew Schaefer, Islanders Children’s Foundation and Northwell Health Partner on Child Support Center in Memory of Jennifer Schaefer

Thanks to a $150,000 present from the Islanders Children’s FoundationNorthwell and the New York Islanders will open the “Jennifer Schaefer Child Support Center sponsored by the Islanders Children’s Foundation” this October.

“The New York Islanders represent a deep-rooted commitment to our fans and neighbors; we operate as a community trust,” mentioned Jon Ledecky, co-owner of the New York Islanders. “The Islanders Children’s Foundation is proud to support this wonderful initiative with Northwell, which bridges Matthew’s incredible personal journey with our organization’s dedication to family and healing. By honoring Jennifer Schaefer’s memory in this way, we are ensuring that no child has to walk through these difficult moments alone, providing them with a place of comfort, play and support right when they need it most.”

The youngster life room, situated on the RJ Zuckerberg Cancer Center in New Hyde Park, will present a devoted house for youngsters whereas their dad and mom bear most cancers remedy. The room will characteristic hockey-themed components together with Islanders memorabilia and leisure together with air hockey, gaming consoles, bubble hockey and a scoreboard with custom-made greetings — together with inspiring messages from Schaefer to the households utilizing the room. Importantly, the room might be staffed by a counselor and geared up with a non-public house the place grief counseling might be out there.

“A cancer diagnosis is one of the most difficult things a person can face, but it also challenges their family in myriad ways,” he mentioned. John D’AngeloMD, president and CEO of Northwell Health. “Caring for families is just as important to us as caring for our patients. We are grateful to the Islanders Children’s Foundation for their support to create this unique space and proud to team up with Matthew Schaefer, whose personal story and public platform will uplift our patients and community. By working together, we are sending a powerful message of resilience, unity and hope to everyone facing a cancer diagnosis.”

Schaefer will go to the room at numerous instances all year long, stunning and delighting followers and bringing pleasure and smiles to these going by way of an identical expertise that he himself had.

“Matthew Schaefer represents the strength and spirit of Long Island, and we are honored to have him join our team,” mentioned Richard BarakatMD, doctor in chief and govt director of the Northwell Health Cancer Institute and the Edward and Carole Miller Distinguished Chair in Cancer. “His partnership transcends the ice; it’s a tribute to that shared spirit of determination.”