December 14 2021 – Three South Florida-based toy companies, a current and former professional athlete, and two nonprofit organizations recently came together to make the holiday season a little brighter for sick children at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.
The toy companies – Jazwares of Sunrise and Just Play and Basic Fun! from Boca Raton – donated hundreds of toys that will be distributed to sick kids at the children’s hospital and throughout the Memorial Healthcare System. Former major league ballplayer Jeff Conine and his wife, Cindy, supporters of the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation for nearly 30 years, were on hand to accept donations that were custom-selected for kids ages 1-13.
“We are so grateful that Jazwares, Just Play, and Basic Fun! always keep our kids in mind at this time of year,” said Kevin Janser, president of the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation. “It’s never easy to be in the hospital, but their thoughtfulness will no doubt make things a little better for children coping with serious medical issues.”
The Florida Panthers mascot, Viktor E. Ratt, also participated in the toy drive and was present for the unveiling of custom-made “cancer bears” that will be given to pediatric cancer patients. The bears are wearing a Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital jersey that features Aleksander “Sasha” Barkov’s name and number 16 on the back.
Cancer Bears is a nonprofit started by eight-year-old Alivia Gustman that has partnered with the NHL superstar to provide the teddy bears to patients. “I think it’s important that kids have something to cuddle when they are going through treatments,” said Gustman.
Barkov, like Conine, is a Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation ambassador that for
the third consecutive season will contribute $1,600 for each goal he scores and $800 for each he assists on to benefit kids and families at the pediatric facility. The
#BarkovScores4JoeD campaign has donated more than $105,000 in its first two seasons and provided a suite at each Panthers home game for use by those connected to the hospital.
The toy drive event took place at the Conine Clubhouse, a hotel-like facility that families
can stay at free of charge while their child is being treated at ‘Joe D.’
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. A level one trauma center, it combines advanced technology, the expertise of board-certified specialists, and a patient and family-centered approach to heal the body, mind, and spirit of those it touches.
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 about Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, visit jdch.com and connect with @jdchospital on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.