The works to build hope for children and families battling pediatric cancer and blood disorders and to fund medical research, programming and pediatric patient care through the new Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, FL.
Opened in January 2010, the new 28,000 sqft Center is already improving patient care and the healing process. In 2011, the Center expects to perform 50 bone marrow transplants, see 125 new patients and treat 4,000 kids on an outpatient basis.
THE PEDIATRIC CANCER AND BLOOD DISORDERS CENTER AT ALL CHILDREN’S
If awards and accolades were all that mattered to him, would already have plenty of laurels upon which to rest: the Stanley Cup, the Mark Messier Leadership Award, The NHL Foundation Award, The King Clancy Award, numerous appearances as an NHL All-Star and a host of franchise scoring records.
But the Tampa Bay Lightning center, who also claimed the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy in 2007 after an NHL-best 52-goal season, has his sights set on one more goal.
And the children of West central Florida are the ones who will benefit.
In 2007 the Foundation committed $3 million for the construction of the Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at All Children’s Hospital.
“I love kids – and I love the Tampa Bay area. So this is a cause with great meaning to me,” explained, who hosts the families of children with cancer in his VIP Suite at several Lightning home games each season. “I’ve been fortunate to get to know some of these families. It’s sad whenever you see kids that are sick. Coming to the games is an opportunity to put a smile on their faces. This is a chance to leave a legacy for them and so many others like them for years to come.”
With characteristic humility, is quick to recognize the importance of “team” in every accomplishment on the ice. That’s also true when it comes to the future success of the new All Children’s Hospital.
FAST FACTS
“Having success on the ice is great, but it’s the life and death battles these children and families face that are most important.”