How a Young NHL Star's Heartfelt Tribute Can Inspire Your Journey to Parenthood

Posted on 23 July 2025 by Ava Santiago — 4 min

Have you ever witnessed a moment so powerful it stops you in your tracks? Recently, the story of 17-year-old Matthew Schaefer, the New York Islanders' NHL draft pick, caught my attention and stirred something deep inside. In a heartfelt tribute, Matthew honored his late mother, who passed away from breast cancer just 16 months ago. This moment wasn’t just about sports or fame—it was about love, resilience, and the enduring bond between parent and child. You can watch this touching tribute here: WATCH: New York Islanders NHL draft pick honors late mother.

Now, you might be wondering, what does this emotional story have to do with your journey toward parenthood? A LOT, actually. For many individuals and couples trying to conceive, grief, loss, and longing accompany the hope for a new beginning. Whether you’re navigating fertility challenges or exploring alternative paths to parenthood, stories like Matthew’s remind us that love and determination light the way forward.

Facing Fertility Challenges? You Are Not Alone.

Many people don’t realize how common fertility struggles are—and how deeply emotional they can be. The process can feel isolating, especially when faced with the financial and emotional toll of clinical interventions. But technology and innovation are changing the landscape, allowing hopeful parents to take control in the comfort of their own homes.

Enter MakeAMom, a company breaking barriers with their at-home insemination kits designed to empower you on this intimate journey. Their revolutionary kits — CryoBaby for low-volume or frozen sperm, Impregnator for low motility sperm, and BabyMaker for users with sensitivities like vaginismus — are reusable, discreet, and cost-effective. Imagine the freedom to try conception on your own terms, in your own space, with an average success rate of 67% reported by the company’s users.

Why Does Reusability Matter?

In a world increasingly aware of sustainability, choosing reusable options is a game-changer—not just for the planet but for your wallet and peace of mind. Disposable kits can add up quickly, turning hope into a costly venture. MakeAMom’s reusable kits offer eco-friendly fertility solutions that align with conscious living, empowering you to pursue parenthood sustainably.

The Intersection of Hope, Technology, and Love

Matthew Schaefer’s tribute reminds us of the profound connection between parent and child—a bond that transcends circumstances. For those on the path to becoming parents, every step is filled with hope, courage, and the desire to honor legacies of love and strength. Whether you are honoring a loved one lost or building a family in your own unique way, your journey matters.

What Can You Take Away from This Story?

Hope is resilient: Like Matthew’s tribute, your journey to parenthood can be a testament to love and endurance.
Innovation is empowering: Home insemination kits from MakeAMom open doors to possibilities previously out of reach for many.
Sustainability is possible: Choosing reusable, cost-effective tools can support your journey and the environment.
You are not alone: Communities and resources exist to support your unique path.

So, what’s next for you? Maybe it’s time to explore ways to embrace fertility care that feels right for you—accessible, sustainable, and hopeful. If you want to learn more about these innovative tools that help bring dreams of parenthood closer to reality, check out the options available that resonate with your needs and values.

Let Matthew’s story inspire you to hold on to your dreams with fierce love and unwavering hope. Because every journey toward parenthood is a powerful narrative of resilience, and your story is waiting to be written.

Ready to take the next step? Discover how you can empower your fertility journey at MakeAMom’s website. Your story deserves to be told—with love, hope, and intentional care.

We’d love to hear your thoughts: What keeps you hopeful on your journey? Share your story or questions in the comments below and let’s build a community of strength together.