Advancing Pediatric Sports Medicine - Florida Panthers Captain Aleksander “Sasha” Barkov Announces Significant Seven-Figure Gift

This exceptional gift will expand Pediatric Orthopedic and Sports Medicine services at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, supporting this program, which is ranked first in the state of Florida by U.S. News and World Report. The program cares for patients with acute emergency injuries, surgical needs, rehabilitation, injury prevention, education, concussion management, and athletic training services. In recognition of his significant seven-figure philanthropic investment and commitment to the health and recovery of young athletes, Aleksander Barkov’s name has been added to the sports medicine program, now known as Barkov Sports Medicine Program at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital [U18].

“It is because of the extraordinary generosity of donors, especially Sasha Barkov, that we can ensure our patients have access to the highest level of care and the encouragement they need to thrive,” said Kelley Morris, President of the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation and Memorial Foundation. “Through philanthropy, we surround patients and families with exceptional care and meaningful support every step of the way. For the young athletes we serve, recovery is about more than healing an injury, it’s about rebuilding confidence, rediscovering the joy of sport, and returning stronger both physically and emotionally.”

“Sasha’s been a long-time supporter of our patients here at the hospital. We have had the joy of watching him lift trophies and spirits! Our patients feel connected to Sasha and a visit or high five from him can change their emotional experience here,” said Caitlin Stella, CEO of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. “His support allows our teams to continue leading and advancing Pediatric Sports Medicine, getting children back to the activities they enjoy, with the inspiration and namesake of a Captain that leads with love and humility.”

The Barkov Sports Medicine Program [U18] is one of the region’s only comprehensive pediatric sports medicine programs. Its multidisciplinary team includes more than 11 Pediatric Fellowship-Trained Orthopedic Surgeons and three Sports Medicine Physicians, as well as Physical Therapists and Certified Athletic Trainers who work collaboratively to provide exceptional care across the full continuum — from emergency injury treatment to rehabilitation, education, injury prevention, and concussion management.

At the Barkov Sports Medicine Program [U18], young athletes at all levels receive specialized care for both acute injuries and chronic conditions, helping them safely return to the sports they love. The team serves as physicians for U.S. Figure Skating, USA Wrestling, and Olympic athletes, and exclusively provides athletic training services to 29 public high schools in Broward County, supporting more than 18,000 student athletes. A national leader in pediatric orthopedics, the program was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the 2025–2026 Best Children’s Hospitals for Orthopedics.

“My relationship with Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is one of the greatest highlights of my life. It is an incredible institution taking care of children in the South Florida community and beyond,” said Sasha Barkov. “I truly appreciate the efforts of the entire medical and administrative staff that work every single day to improve the lives of kids.”

An NHL superstar on and off the ice, Barkov has long supported Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital through both philanthropy and personal engagement. During the season, he pledges a donation for every goal and assists to benefit the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation. He also donates the use of a suite at Amerant Bank Arena, providing patients and their families with the opportunity to enjoy Florida Panthers games. His continued generosity helps advance the foundation’s mission to deliver exceptional, family-centered pediatric care to children throughout South Florida and beyond.

The celebration, held in the Child Life Zone at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, included a visit from Stanley C. Panther and Viktor E. Rat. Patients and families had the opportunity to meet Barkov, dance with the mascots, and enjoy games and activities together.

The Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation and Memorial Foundation advance philanthropy to positively impact patients and families through expert care, innovation, advanced technology, research, programs, services and facilities that support the Memorial Healthcare System’s mission of healing the body, mind and spirit.

To learn more or support this initiative, visit: www.jdch.com/give.

About Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital

Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital 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. The level one pediatric trauma center combines advanced technology, the expertise of some of the region’s most diverse, board-certified specialists and a patient and family-centered focus to heal the body, mind and spirit. Part of Memorial Healthcare System, the pediatric hospital in Hollywood, Florida, recently doubled in size, adding four floors, including a Comprehensive Cardiac Care floor, an intraoperative MRI, an inpatient rehabilitation gym, family and staff support areas and the 14th Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids Child Life Zone, among other offerings.

Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital 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, visit: www.jdch.com and connect with @jdchospital on Facebook, X, YouTube and Instagram.