LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Vegas Golden Knights inspire the fans of all ages in their quest for the Stanley Cup, and the Medieval Maniacs boost the spirits of the youngest fans fighting big health battles.
The office for Children’s Lung Specialists and Dr. Craig Nakamura is a sight to behold: from the walls to the ceiling and every nook and cranny, Vegas Golden Knights merchandise, toys, swag and collectibles are at every twist and turn. Patient rooms have homages to various comic book characters– and of course, VGK.
Patients and families tell FOX5, they can’t help but smile when they walk through the front door.
“I’ve always loved hockey,” said Dr. Nakamura, the only pediatric pulmonologist in Las Vegas, who treats thousands of children across the Valley- and goes to every VGK game. Nakamura is also a fan of the Vegas Silver Knights.
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“Many of my patients are fans as well,” Nakamura said. “Some of them are dealing with very severe illnesses, and to have something to give happiness during the day makes dealing with a chronic illness easier as well,” he said.
“I think it inspires many of my patients. I have a lot of patients who are athletes who are on the junior teams as well, and it inspires them to be able to play and be more competitive,” Nakamura said.
Blake Smith, 16, plays sled hockey– a version of the sport for people with different abilities. Smith is ventilator dependent.
“It’s my life. I watch hockey all the time,” Smith said; his dad calls him an “encyclopedia” for hockey facts.
“[The patients] all overcome adversity, and I think it’s a lot like the Vegas Golden Knights,” said father Chad Smith.
The players have met and befriended Blake over the years.
Benji Sanchez, 12, has battled cancer three times.
“I love hockey,” he tells FOX5. “Once I know that I’m going to the doctor, especially this one, I finally get a smile on my face,” Sanchez said.
Sanchez tells FOX5, during the annual “Battle for Vegas” baseball game, he will walk with VGK player Reilly Smith onto the field.
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