Walking into any room with the Stanley Cup is going to bring smiles to many faces. But the smiles were a little shinier when it was the pediatric ward at Southlake Health in Newmarket. Carolina Hurricanes defenceman Sean Walker arrived with the Cup on Wednesday. Growing up in Keswick, Walker played hockey in York Region before going on to forge an impressive NCAA and NHL career “It’s an incredible honour to bring the Stanley Cup home to Georgina, but what makes it even more meaningful is the opportunity to spend time with patients and families at Southlake,” said Walker. “Hospital visits and stays can be challenging, especially for kids, and if this visit can bring a few smiles, create some special memories and brighten someone’s day, then it’s time well spent,” he said. Pediatric patients and their families spent time with the hometown NHL star during a visit that turned a day of appointments and treatment into a celebration many will never forget. “To me the Stanley Cup means accomplishing that goal and getting to the end.” said Kade Richardson, a patient at Southlake Health’s Paediatric Oncology Clinic. “It’s a special thing for me because it helps me look forward and inspires me to get to the end of my treatment, and I think it’s really special that it’s here.” “Sean’s visit gave children and families a day they will remember long after they leave the hospital,” said Stephanie Simson, manager, Pediatrics and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Southlake Health. “For a little while, the weight of a diagnosis took a back seat to excitement and laughter. We are incredibly grateful to Sean for sharing this special day with our patients and reminding them that moments of joy can be just as powerful as medicine,” Simson said.
