Northwell Health, the New York Islanders and Matthew Schaefer open the Jennifer Schaefer Child Support Room, donated by the Islanders Childrens Foundation

The New York Islanders’ 2026–2027 season is well underway, and so too is their ongoing partnership with Northwell Health.After drafting defenseman Matthew Schaefer first overall in 2025, Schaefer’s growing relationship with Northwell is helping expand both his visibility in the community and Northwell’s 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 life’s most difficult moments.

In partnership with Northwell and the Islanders Children’s 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 Children’s Foundation, was made possible by a $150,000 gift from the Islanders Children’s 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.  “Matthew Schaefer is an inspiration both on and off the ice,” said Jon Ledecky, co-owner of the New York Islanders.“The Islanders Children’s Foundation is deeply honored to partner with Northwell Health to open the Jennifer Schaefer Child Support Room.

Matthew’s dedication to honoring his mother’s 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.” Northwell has also made sure ...