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The New York Islandersâ 2026â2027 season is well underway, and so too is their ongoing partnership with Northwell Health. After drafting defenseman Matthew Schaefer first overall in 2025, Schaeferâs growing relationship with Northwell is helping expand both his visibility in the community and Northwellâs commitment to compassionate cancer care.
When Schaefer was just 16 years old, his mother, Jennifer, passed away from breast cancer. Her illness and passing left a profound mark on Matthew, inspiring his personal mission to support families facing lifeâs most difficult moments. In partnership with Northwell and the Islanders Childrenâs Foundation, the Jennifer Schaefer Child Support Room was established, located within the R.J. Zuckerberg Cancer Center in New Hyde Park, NY. This special place was designed to provide resources, therapy and support to children of patients and caregivers receiving treatment.
The Jennifer Schaefer Child Support Room, donated by the Islanders Childrenâs Foundation, was made possible by a $150,000 gift from the Islanders Childrenâs Foundation. The new room, decked out in Islanders blue and orange, is filled with hockey memorabilia and designed specifically for children of patients undergoing cancer treatment. Here children can find a safe space to learn, relax and express themselves, play with a bubble hockey table, an Xbox and a jumbotron with customized greetings. âMatthew Schaefer is an inspiration both on and off the ice,â said Jon Ledecky, co-owner of the New York Islanders. âThe Islanders Childrenâs Foundation is deeply honored to partner with Northwell Health to open the Jennifer Schaefer Child Support Room. Matthewâs dedication to honoring his motherâs legacy by bringing comfort and joy to children facing a parent’s cancer diagnosis reflects the very heart of our organization. We hope this space brings strength and relief to local families when they need it most.â
Northwell has also made sure the room makes an emotional and educational impact on the children who need it most. There is a dedicated space for Northwellâs Child Life specialists to support children. The room will be stocked with a 3D printer, art supplies and music. Plus there will be activities designed to help children understand their parentâs diagnosis and treatment and where they can connect with other children who are in similar situations. âAs an integrated health system, Northwellâs Cancer Institute goes beyond providing the latest in cancer treatments to our patients â we anticipate the needs of all our patients, including those with children who may need extra help during visits,â said John DâAngelo, MD, president and CEO of Northwell Health. âThis is why we teamed up with Matthew Schaefer and the Islanders Childrenâs Foundation — we want to provide our patients with every level of support they need. Our trained child life specialists can help children and parents every step of the way. This wouldnât have been possible without a donation from the Islanders Childrenâs Foundation, and weâre very grateful for their generosity.â
Matthew plans to make several visits when heâs off the ice, connecting with children and patients facing a similar experience to his own. No doubt heâll provide words of hope and encouragement and put a smile on the faces of those who need him. Upon visiting the room each child will receive a friendship bracelet designed in collaboration with Matthew and will be worn by Matthew to showcase the bond they all have with each other. The bracelet features a ladybug, which Matthew has shared holds a special place in his heart and reminds him each and every day of his mom, Jennifer.
âMy mother was always happy and full of life, and I hope that this room can help bring a little of her happiness to others,â Schaefer said. âI know how incredibly difficult it is for kids to watch their parents fight cancer. Having a place like this where you can come and experience joy for a little while would have been such a relief for me and my family. Every child who comes here and smiles and forgets about their troubles for a little while is a sign that my motherâs spirit lives on, and I hope these kids can feel a little bit of the tremendous love I felt from her every day.â
The Jennifer Schaefer Child Support Room, donated by the Islanders Children Foundation, opened on November 2, 2026. This room is made possible by Northwell Health, Matthew Schaefer and the Islanders Childrenâs Foundation. Through their collaborative vision, this room will stand as a lasting legacy to Jennifer Schaefer.
To learn more about Matthew Schaeferâs community initiatives and how to support the Jennifer Schaefer Child Support Room visit Northwell.
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