Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Benefits from NHL Star’s Generosity
Despite the rigors of the NHL schedule, which includes games, practice, or travel nearly every day, Florida Panthers captain Aleksander “Sasha” Barkov still found time to spend with some of his biggest fans.
Avery Cohen, Sasha Barkov
Patients at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Hollywood were thrilled to interact with one of the league’s best players in the hospital’s Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids Child Life Zone. Barkov took photos, signed autographs, and played games with children hospitalized with serious medical conditions. The visit was the latest in a series of trips Barkov has made to the pediatric facility since 2019, and came with a $97,600 check presentation to the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation.
The Florida Panthers center recently concluded the fourth year of the #BarkovScores4JoeD philanthropy campaign, which includes a $1,600 donation for each goal he scores and $800 for each assisted on. The nearly $100,000 donation was the result of the 28 goals and 66 assists tallied by Barkov during the 2022-23 regular season and playoffs.
"I really value my partnership with Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and am very happy they are part of the Florida Panthers family,” said Barkov. “It has been a great four years and I’m very proud to witness the expansion of the hospital, and the ability this amazing team of professionals now have to provide even more complex care to the South Florida community and beyond."
Kevin Janser, Don Eachus, Aleksander Barkov, Caitlin Stella, Brett Rose
To date, Barkov’s contributions to programs and services that benefit kids and families at the children’s hospital total $313,600. He also provides a suite for use by those connected to the hospital at every home game, and announced during the hospital visit that the campaign would continue through the 2023-24 season.
Updates on the alliance between the hockey star and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital will be chronicled throughout the season on the children’s hospital’s social media sites on Facebook and Instagram. Fans can also search #BarkovScores4JoeD.
Barkov has won the NHL’s Frank J. Selke trophy, signifying the game’s best defensive forward, and the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, which is awarded to the NHL player that combines sportsmanship, gentlemanly conduct, and a high standard of playing ability. He was the second overall pick in the 2013 draft and has played his entire NHL career for the Panthers.
Valeria Rendon-Arango, Sasha Barkov
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Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital (www.jdch.com) is one of the nation’s leading pediatric hospitals, offering a comprehensive scope of healthcare services and programs in a caring, compassionate setting designed specifically for children. The level one pediatric trauma center combines advanced technology, the expertise of some of the region’s most diverse, board-certified specialists, and a patient and family-centered focus to heal the body, mind, and spirit.
Part of Memorial Healthcare System, the pediatric hospital in Hollywood, Florida, recently doubled in size, adding four floors, including a comprehensive cardiac care floor, an intraoperative MRI, an inpatient rehabilitation gym, family and staff support areas, and the 14th Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids Child Life Zone, among other offerings.
The hospital’s nonprofit foundation focuses on philanthropy to positively impact patients, families, and underwrite programs, facilities, and equipment that support the pediatric facility’s mission.
To learn more, visit jdch.com
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