Matthew Schaefer Mom tribute set for October hospital opening
Matthew Schaefer said his matthew schaefer mom tribute will take shape in October, when the Jennifer Schaefer Child Support Center opens at Cohen Children’s Medical Center. The New York Islanders defenseman announced the plan while bringing the Calder Trophy to the hospital, linking the space to his late mother, Jennifer Schaefer.
Cohen Children’s Medical Center
The center is sponsored by the Islanders Children’s Foundation and is being opened in Jennifer Schaefer’s honor after she died in February 2024 following a battle with breast cancer. Schaefer said the room will feature hockey-themed design elements, memorabilia, and personal and uplifting messages from him for families using the space.
He said he plans to visit at various times throughout the year, making the project more than a one-day appearance. Schaefer also visited patients before walking into the hospital’s atrium with the Calder Trophy after being named the NHL’s rookie of the year.
Jennifer Schaefer Center
“It’s such an honor to be a part of this, and I can’t wait to do so many great things; it’s going to be super fun,” Schaefer said at Cohen Children’s Medical Center about the partnership. He added, “This is obviously something close to my heart, just being able to do something like this for my mom and everyone who’s battling cancer. I can’t wait to get started.”
The project also gives the hospital a family room built around Schaefer’s own experience, after a season in which he played all 82 games, led rookies in time on ice per game with 24:41, and finished third among rookies with 59 points. He said, “Honestly, it goes so much further than anything in life itself -- hockey too. I’m just happy I’m able to be a part of it to help these kids. It’s not easy what they’re going through. But to see them happy with everything they’re going through, they’re role models for me.”
Todd Schaefer Surprise
Schaefer was also surprised by his father, Todd Schaefer, and older brother, Johnathon Schaefer, on the set of ABC’s GMA3 with the Calder Trophy. “It’s crazy to think that he was 10 floors above me, saying his FaceTime and stuff doesn’t work,” he said of Todd Schaefer, adding, “He wasn’t answering me the last two days. I mean, part of me was like he doesn’t know how to work a phone, so I can see why it’s not working.”
He said of the hospital visit, “But it was super special for them to be there today. You know, this day’s just so special because I get to experience it with all you guys, but especially all the kids here at Northwell. I love it here.” For families who will use the center after it opens in October, the plan turns a trophy visit into a standing hospital space tied to his mother’s name.
