Islanders Players Visit Hospitalized Kids at Winthrop for Holidays

New York Islanders goaltender Evgeni Nabokov, defenseman Andrew MacDonald, left wing Thomas Vanek and center Peter Regin came to visit hospitalized children at Winthrop-University Hospital’s Children’s Medical Center on December 18 to give gifts, sign autographs and spread cheer among young patients who need to be in the hospital this holiday season.

“It’s tough to see kids in these types of situations,” MacDonald said. “It can be difficult for the parents too, but they really appreciate it. From a player perspective, being able to put a smile on their faces is pretty special and it’s an experience for us that we don’t forget. We really enjoy doing these visits and we take a lot from them.”

For their annual visit, the players first stopped by Winthrop’s Hagedorn Pediatric Inpatient Center and the Child Life playroom as well as the Cancer Center for Kids at Winthrop, where children undergoing treatment came to the lobby to take photos, choose presents and were able to get their favorite player’s autograph. The players went from room to room in each location delivering presents they’d chosen themselves at Toys “R” Us earlier that week. 

“Each year our patients and their families are truly touched by the organization’s thoughtfulness and each player’s kindness and warmth,” said Nicole Almeida, Director of the Child Life Program at Winthrop. “We are both lucky and grateful to participate in this event each holiday season.”