Matthew Schaefer, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, has turned a personal tragedy into a public mission.
The partnership between Northwell Health and the rising star will see the creation of the Jennifer Schaefer Child Support Center inside the R.J. Zuckerberg Cancer Center in New Hyde Park.
A Healing Space for Young Patients
Funded by a $150,000 gift from the Islanders Children’s Foundation, the center will feature a hockey‑themed environment that includes Islanders memorabilia, a private counseling area and a counselor trained in grief support.
John D’Angelo, president and CEO of Northwell Health, said the initiative reflects the health system’s commitment to caring for families beyond the hospital walls.
Jon Ledecky, co‑owner of the New York Islanders, praised the collaboration, noting that the Islanders’ brand can bring joy to children facing the hardest battles.
Richard Barakat, a longtime advocate for pediatric oncology at Northwell, will help oversee the center’s programming, ensuring that each visit from Schaefer is more than a token appearance.
Schaefer, who lost his mother to breast cancer in 2024, plans to spend time in the room throughout the year, offering a personal connection that organizers hope will lift spirits and foster resilience.