New York Islanders player Matthew Schaefer dedicated a new support room for children of cancer patients at the R.J. Zuckerberg Cancer Center on Monday.
The R.J. Zuckerberg Cancer Center in Lake Success, N.Y., unveiled the Jennifer Schaefer Child Support Room on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026. Dedicated to the late mother of New York Islanders player Matthew Schaefer, the facility provides a space for counseling children of cancer patients. The room is decorated in Islanders blue and orange and features family photographs alongside a bubble hockey table.
Matthew Schaefer, the 19-year-old reigning Calder Trophy winner, attended the dedication with his brother Johnny and father Todd. The project was developed in collaboration with Northwell Health to honor Jennifer Schaefer, who died of cancer in 2024. Islanders co-owner Jon Ledecky noted that Matthew frequently visits the center to support its initiatives.
Schaefer was the first overall pick in the previous year's NHL draft. During his selection, the Islanders included a cancer ribbon on his jersey to acknowledge his family's history with the disease. Todd Schaefer stated during the ceremony that the bright atmosphere of the finished room reflects his late wife's preferences.
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