The following season, Barkov further strengthened his relationship with Joe DiMaggio by launching the #BarkovScores4JoeD campaign. Since then, he has donated $1,600 to the hospital for every goal he registers and $800 for every assist, for a total of more than $550,000.
We also provide suites for staff and patients for each Panthers home game.
“This community has given (me) so much, and I’m so lucky to be able to play hockey for the Florida Panthers,” Berkoff said. “It’s such a great organization and community, so it felt great to be able to give something back. Every year we’ve made a little bit of progress. Where we are now is a huge step forward.”
Powered by his donation, Joe DiMaggio is launching the “Barkov Sports Medicine” program.
The program will expand the hospital’s offerings and will focus on improving concussion protocols, injury prevention and nutrition programs for patients under 18 years of age.
It also helps fund hospital sports teams for children with disabilities.
“It’s amazing,” said Barkov, who won the NHL’s prestigious King Clancy Memorial Trophy last season for his humanitarian work at hospitals. “This place (South Florida) is my home now. As I said in my speech, I was drafted here in 2013. If you told me this would happen here 13 years later, I would never have believed it. I’m so honored and grateful.”
Although his most recent donations were marked by large parties with patients, parents, and staff, Barkov regularly visits Joe DiMaggio’s home throughout each season without much fanfare.
In some ways, he donates much of his time, which is more valuable than a check.
“We always cry when Sasha is here,” said Kelly Morris, who heads Memorial Healthcare System and the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation. “He comes here very quietly. He never seeks recognition. He really understands what we’re doing here and how important his name and his presence is here.”
During this special visit, Barkov also shed a rare tear after watching a video of a patient’s gratitude.
