NEWARK, NJ – New Jersey Devils players and alumni set out on a journey on Monday afternoon with a mission to put much needed smiles on children’s faces at 11 different RWJ Barnabas Health Medical Centers while continuing an annual tradition that began over three and a half decades ago.
The children were surprised with gifts provided by The Devils Care Foundation, a charitable non-profit organization that focuses on educational and health and wellness programs that benefit New Jersey residents.
Taylor Hall, Brian Boyle and Kyle Palmieiri worked in tandem to visit children at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center.
“This is a chance for us to give back, and also an opportunity for us to get to know these kids who are the some of the strongest people that you’ll ever meet,” Palmieri, the Devils team leader in goals scored said during the visit. “To be able to put a smile on their face for a couple of minutes is a special opportunity for us and we all enjoy being able to give back.”
Boyle, who was awarded the 2017-18 Masterton Memorial Trophy for inspirationally overcoming his diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukemia knows first-hand how tough it is to battle through a serious illness. His three-year-old son Declan also went through a health scare as he underwent several procedures for an arteriorvenous malformation in his jaw at Boston Children’s Hospital.
“It’s difficult to see especially around the holidays,” an emotional Boyle suggested. “You just pray for the best for these children and you see how brave they are – it’s inspiring.”
Earlier this year, Boyle announced that his cancer was in remission just 13 months after receiving his initial diagnosis and he had some words of encouragement for those enduring similar medical challenges.
“Some of these situations are difficult, but you have to have a positive outlook,” added Boyle. “It’s like anything in life. Things happen to people and they go through these hard times so you need that support system and attitude (to beat it.)”
Thanks to donations derived from the Devils Hockey Fights Cancer Night last year, improvements were made to the Valerie Fund Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s Hospital of New Jersey at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, according to hospital officials. Boyle was proud to observe the advancements on site and said it was ‘huge’ to see the funds raised being implemented towards research and treatment.
For the Devils, giving back to the community is in the team’s DNA, but their annual holiday giveback day is always something special and it is an event the organization prides itself on every year. The children certainly appreciate it, and that’s what matters most during the holidays.
* Editor’s Note: The photo used in the lead of the story was provided by RWJ Barnabas Health at the Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. All other photos were taken by Sean Conklin.
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