These children are students with multiple, physical and developmental disabilities and many in wheelchairs, but despite their everyday challenges, this was a time to laugh, interact with classmates, watch some hockey and enjoy some wonderful family time – a time most families take for granted.

“The Islanders were instrumental in the success of the evening,” said Principal Amy Rumelt. “However the key to the success was the excitement that our families felt as they enjoyed a shared experience – an experience that most families share without a second thought.”

With wheelchairs parked along the rail of Section 209 at the Nassau Coliseum, students, parents and school personnel cheered on their hometown favorite and even received a visit from Islanders mascot Sparky. 

“It was wonderful to see the sheer joy on the faces of our students,” said Assistant Principal Steve Kessler. “For some students this was a first time occurrence for them with their families.” 

Among those families in attendance were Kristen and Rob Gasparetti and their four sons, two of which, Brian and Dylan, were born with PMD (Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease), an X-linked genetic cerebral palsy which affects coordination, motor ability and intellectual functions.  Despite their other sons Trevor and Andrew being healthy and thankfully not affected by the disease, the Gasparetti’s admit they do have a tendency to exclude certain events from their social calendar. 

“As parents of kids in wheelchairs we tend to shy away from events like this,” said Kristen Gasparetti. “Our family seems to be separated at events like this - one parent has to sit with the handicapped kids and the other parent with the other kids.” 

For most of us, going to an Islanders game or any other sporting event is as simple as throwing on a coat, running out the door, hopping in a car and walking to your seats. Unfortunately for this Franlkin Square family it’s a bit more involved and complicated. Having children with special needs involves a taxing routine just to head out the door, and requires a list of supplies that need to be at the ready for each and every outing. 

“Through the years we have gotten in a grove plus we have the help of our middle boys,” said Gasparetti. “It involves changing diapers, getting them bundled in jackets and putting them in their convaid strollers. From there we load them into our handicapped van which involves deploying a lift up and down so they can be locked into place. We also pack wipes, bibs, change of clothes and other items depending on the length of the trip.” 

Putting aside the exhausting chore of preparing sons Brian and Dylan for the trip to Uniondale, once the game began it was a fun-filled evening with the Carman Road “family”, all who share many of the same difficulties on a daily basis. The evening itself was originally coordinated by Gasparetti, a co-president of the PTA, Principal Rumelt and the staff at the New York Islanders. 

“I felt this game was an opportunity for parents like us and other similar parents to actually take our kids to this kind of sporting event,” said Gasparetti. “We are all in the same boat dealing with the handicaps, the wheelchairs and unfortunately the stares as well. But attending the game as a group made it a comforting experience.” 

The Gasparetti’s, as well as all of the Carman Road families, were also very appreciative of the support of the New York Islanders staff. 

“The Islanders knew we were coming and were very helpful in making us feel “taken care of” with our special situations,” explained Gasparetti. “The ushers and especially team employee Josh Rose, helped to insure we were tended to as well as understanding our special situation and needs.” 

For brothers Brian (14) and Dylan (7), attending sporting events such as a hockey game is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy social activities, however at the same time it can also create difficulties. 

“Brian has been to some sporting events, not many, but he truly enjoys them,” said Gasparetti. Dylan tends to get upset with loud noises so events like this give him the chance to slowly get used to things in the outside world.” 

So for one night in that “outside world”, the students of Carman Road School were no different than the rest of the kids at the Coliseum – they were out having fun, saw the Islanders beat the Lightning 3-2 in overtime, but more importantly shared quality time with the ones they love. 

Yes, sports can bring a family closer together.