New York Knicks Deliver $20,000 Surprise to Family in Need
The Knicks and a handful of charities created a memorable moment for a New Jersey family when they presented Mr. Kevin Liau with a generous check at Madison Square Garden.
While the Liau clan thought they were merely at a photo‑op, the family received a $20,000 gift that will help offset the medical expenses of their 15‑year‑old son, Peter, who has battled bone‑marrow and blood disorders since 2019. “It’s going to go a long way,” Kevin told us, his voice thick with emotion.
The cash will go toward Peter’s ongoing treatment and the costs associated with a devastating fire that consumed the family’s home in Hackensack last fall. Kevin thanked the Knicks, the Garden of Dreams Foundation, Chase Freedom, and everyone who made the donation possible. “We’re definitely shocked and in awe and just very thankful for the generosity of the Knicks and the Garden of Dreams Foundation and Chase Freedom and everyone involved,” he said.
Jessica Liau, Peter’s mother, reflected on the family’s recent hardships. “There was just one bad situation after another…It was financially, emotionally draining. Everything just all came together as a perfect storm,” she said.
Peter’s illness began with uncontrollable nosebleeds and a clotting disorder. After months of visits to numerous specialists, a definitive diagnosis of bone‑marrow failure and severe aplastic anemia finally arrived three years later. “I didn’t really get what was wrong with me, so I didn’t really feel scared, but after I found out about everything, it was definitely a lot more scary for me,” Peter recalled.
His younger brother, 11‑year‑old Parker, became a matched donor, allowing Peter to undergo a life‑saving transplant in August 2024. Just a month after the operation, a dehumidifier malfunction sparked a blaze that gutted the family’s home, adding another layer of trauma, particularly for Parker.
In an effort to lift the family’s spirits, Jessica approached Make‑a‑Wish, which led them to the Garden of Dreams Foundation. The organization welcomed the Liaus to a Knicks game earlier this month where they watched their team clinch a win against the Charlotte Hornets.
Peter was honored with the title “Honorary Coach” for that night, assisting Coach Mike Brown with drills alongside stars Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart. “It was pretty crazy to be standing on the court with the players,” Peter said. “I was part of the press conference, and I was on the court during the pre‑game stuff, and I drew up plays for Coach Brown … It was exhilarating.”
Parker, who survived the transplant that saved Peter’s life, served as a ball boy during the game. “It was definitely a lot cooler to do it with him than to do it solo…We’re as close as siblings can get,” Peter added.
Their mother praised the experience. “It was incredible for us to be there, to be on the court. It was our first Knicks game, and we watch the Knicks play every night! To see them in person, get autographs, talk, and take pictures together—it was all incredible.”
The Garden of Dreams Foundation followed up by inviting the family back for a celebration on Christmas Day. “We really appreciate it,” Kevin said, underscoring how that extra act of kindness was truly a once‑in‑a‑lifetime joy.
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