Barkov-inspired Cancer Bears gifted to Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital

Aleksander Barkov was back on the ice Tuesday after missing the Florida Panthers' last eight games while recovering from a knee injury, and so, too, were his mounting donations to Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital.

For the second-straight season, Barkov pledged to make a donation to the hospital with each goal and assist he makes. For every goal, Barkov will donate $1,600 and for every assist, $800.
This holiday season, teddy bears dressed in Barkov's No. 16 jersey will be given to patients at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital.

The idea to gift teddy bears, specifically, stems from 8-year-old Alivia Gustman's non-profit organization Cancer Bears.
The Florida native originally created Cancer Bears in 2020 for a school project, inspired by her mom Tara's battle with breast cancer two years prior. With a little help from her family, Alivia's idea came to life and Cancer Bears has sold hundreds of bears.
Tara is in remission, but Alivia's mission is ongoing.
"When I was first introduced to Cancer Bears, I thought it was a great and touching story and wanted to see if we could do something together and help more people learn of Alivia's charity," Barkov said in Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital press release. "I am so happy it's now going to happen with the amazing support of the Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Foundation, right around the holiday season where we will be able to put smiles on the faces of hundreds of deserving children."