Matthew Schaefer Dedicates Cancer Center Room to Late Mother

New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer attended the unveiling of a child support room named for his late mother, Jennifer Schaefer, at the R.J. Zuckerberg Cancer Center in Lake Success, New York, on Monday, November 2, 2026.

The Jennifer Schaefer Child Support Room includes blue and orange decor matching the Islanders’ colors, a bubble hockey table, family photographs, and space for counseling children whose parents are undergoing cancer treatment.

Jennifer Schaefer died in 2024 after a cancer diagnosis. Speaking at the event, Schaefer said he and his family had long wanted to give back — and welcomed Northwell Health’s proposal to create the room. "We didn’t know what form that would take," he said, "but when this idea came up, we knew it was right."

His father, Todd Schaefer, spoke emotionally during the ceremony. "My wife would be so pleased," he said. "This room reflects exactly what she valued."

Islanders co-owner Jon Ledecky said Schaefer has visited the center multiple times. "He consistently shows up to support the mission," Ledecky said.

Schaefer, 19, was selected first overall by the Islanders in the 2025 NHL Draft. He is in his second NHL season.

Photo: The Kip / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
More: NHL · New York Islanders