ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Patients and staff at all hospitals within RWJBarnabas Health enjoyed some holiday cheer Dec. 17, as New Jersey Devils players and alumni, as well as the popular mascot NJ Devil, visited with patients, delivering toys, wrapping gifts, working snack cart delivery and taking photos. RWJBarnabas Health is the state’s most comprehensive integrated health care system and the official health care provider for the New Jersey Devils.
Among the many highlights of the annual visits, 2018 NHL All-Star Brian Boyle, who is cancer-free and back on the ice after his widely publicized battle with chronic myeloid leukemia, spent the afternoon visiting with pediatric and cancer patients, along with 2018 NHL MVP Taylor Hall and leading goal scorer Kylie Palmieri, at RWJBarnabas Health’s Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of NJ, while Devils Capt. Andy Greene, Travis Zajac and Ben Lovejoy delivered toys and played games with pediatric patients at Saint Barnabas Medical Center.
Across the system, members of the team interacted with patients and staff in pediatrics, oncology, orthopedics and cardiac rehab, among other departments, while reinforcing the importance of community involvement for professional athletes, as their presence helped lift the spirits of many patients battling serious health conditions. The Devils Care Foundation provided toys that were passed out to children at each respective facility.
“In addition to delivering world class health care at our facilities, I’m delighted that our multifaceted partnership with the Devils provides us an opportunity to help lift the spirits of many patients in our care,” RWJBarnabas Health CEO and President Barry H. Ostrowsky said. “It’s refreshing to see these professional athletes take time out of their busy schedules to visit our medical centers and interact with patients and their families, especially during the holiday season.”
Photos Courtesy of RWJBarnabas Health
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