New York Islanders goalie makes LI boy with half a heart’s dream come true

Since he was born, Jack Foley has had three open heart surgeries.

News 12 Staff

May 10, 2019, 12:33 PM

Updated 1,818 days ago

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FRANKLIN SQUARE - The Islanders pulled off a surprising season and made a lot of memories for their fans, but for a family in Franklin Square one memory stands out the most.
Jack Foley turned 8 years old last month, and celebrated by getting dressed up and going to hockey practice. Jack loves the Islanders with all of his heart, even though his heart is different than most.
Jack was born without the left side of his heart. Doctors told his parents something was wrong when his mom Lauren was about five months pregnant.
However, Lauren believes Jack heard those doubts while he was in the womb and that's when his survivor story started.
Since he was born, Jack's has had three open heart surgeries, and doctors rewired his half of a heart to function as a whole one.
In March, Jack's latest goal was to get a hockey stick from Isles goalie Robin Lehner.
Like Jack, Lehner is a survivor battling back from alcoholism and depression to save his career.
Lehner's autographed stick is now part of Jack's bedroom collection.
A memento given from one survivor to another and reminder of a season that saw the Islanders, like half -hearted Jack, survive longer than anyone expected them too.
Jack's family will participate in the Congenital Heart Walk on May 19 to raise money to help other kids battling heart disease.


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