Sparky Surprises Patients at Children's Hospital

While the New York Islanders are on a mission in Raleigh to take Game Two from the Carolina Hurricanes, Sparky the Dragon was raising the excitement back home on Long Island, delivering playoff gear to the patients at Cohen Children's Medical Center on Wednesday.
"The Islanders bring people together," Erin Tuttle, Lead Child Life Specialist at Cohen, said. "They can watch a game together in a playroom, roommates that are sharing a room together can talk about it. Parents are really into it. It really forms another type of community within the hospital, it's really special."

Sparky visited various units at the hospital to deliver gray and blue playoff t-shirts, Isles hats, flags and rally towels. The sight of the famous brightly colored dragon brought a big smile to patients, as well as their parents and the medical team taking care of them.
"Sparky is bringing that joy to our patients because they can't celebrate outside of here," Tuttle said. "They're not at school, celebrating it with their friends or at home watching the game. This is something so special, because they also get to participate in that conversation."
During a playoff run, the Long Island and Metro New York community is amped up for the Islanders and cheering them on. Although many patients and families are going through hard times, the love of the game can give them something to look forward to. Tuttle noted that a lot of doctors, nurses and staff at Cohen are dialed into each game and use their love of hockey to connect with patients.
"It's a serious buzz," Tuttle said. "We have a lot of staff members that are hardcore Islanders fans. It's a great way for our bedside staff, nurses and doctors to talk to patients. It really helps us bond on another level with patients and families."

Sparky is no stranger to Cohen Children's Medical Center, as the Islanders surprised pediatric patients in the past to brighten up their day. Wednesday's visit was just another example of the team wanting to show support for some of their youngest fans and those who might need an extra boost.
"It's an amazing relationship," Tuttle said. "I've been here for 13 years, and I have met so many wonderful players and staff from the Islanders. They truly bring joy to our patients and families continuously, not just during the playoffs. They come during the holidays, they come throughout the year to really focus on patients and families. And we're so thrilled to have that partnership."