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 the room makes an emotional and educational impact on the children who need it most. There is a dedicated space for Northwell’s 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 parent’s diagnosis and treatment and where they can connect with other children who are in similar situations.  “As an integrated health system, Northwell’s Cancer Institute goes beyond providing the latest in cancer treatments to our patients – we anticipate the needs of all our patients, including those with children who may need extra help during visits,” said John D’Angelo, MD, president and CEO of Northwell Health. “This is why we teamed up with Matthew Schaefer and the Islanders Children’s 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 wouldn’t have been possible without a donation from the Islanders Children’s Foundation, and we’re very grateful for their generosity.”

Matthew plans to make several visits when he’s off the ice, connecting with children and patients facing a similar experience to his own.  No doubt he’ll 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.  

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 Children’s Foundation. Through their collaborative vision, this room will stand as a lasting legacy to Jennifer Schaefer. 

To learn more about Matthew Schaefer’s community initiatives and how to support the Jennifer Schaefer Child Support Room visit Northwell.