St. Knicks Surprise Struggling NJ Family with $20,000 Gift

The heartwarming Christmas gesture brought joy and relief to a family facing medical and financial challenges.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:27pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in vibrant colors, representing the emotional journey of the Liau family and the generosity of the Knicks organization.A heartwarming holiday surprise from the St. Knicks brings joy and relief to a family facing immense challenges.Hackensack Today

On Christmas Day, the St. Knicks basketball team and the Garden of Dreams Foundation surprised a New Jersey family, the Liaus, with a $20,000 check to help alleviate their financial burdens. The Liau family has faced a series of medical and personal crises, including their teenage son Peter's battle with bone marrow failure and a devastating house fire that destroyed their home. The generous gift from the Knicks organization left the family in awe and deeply grateful for the support during their difficult times.

Why it matters

This story highlights the power of community support and the positive impact that acts of kindness can have on families facing significant hardships. The Knicks' gesture not only provided much-needed financial assistance to the Liau family but also lifted their spirits and renewed their sense of hope during a challenging period. It showcases the role that professional sports teams and charitable organizations can play in uplifting local communities.

The details

The Liau family, unaware of the surprise, was invited to Madison Square Garden on Christmas Day, thinking it was just a photo opportunity. However, they were then presented with a $20,000 check, which the family said would go a long way in helping them navigate their financial struggles. The family's journey has been marked by medical challenges, as their teenage son Peter has battled bone marrow and blood-related issues for years, and a devastating fire that destroyed their home in Hackensack last year. The generosity of the Knicks, the Garden of Dreams Foundation, and other partners has provided the family with much-needed support and relief during this difficult time.

  • The Liau family was invited to Madison Square Garden on Christmas Day 2026.
  • Peter Liau was diagnosed with bone marrow failure and severe aplastic anemia in 2019.
  • Peter and his brother Parker underwent a life-saving bone marrow transplant in August 2024.
  • A month after the successful surgery, a fire destroyed the Liau family's home in Hackensack.

The players

Kevin Liau

The emotional father of the Liau family, who expressed deep gratitude for the Knicks' generosity.

Jessica Liau

The mother of the Liau family, who echoed the sentiment of gratitude and spoke about the family's determination to stay strong during their challenges.

Peter Liau

The 15-year-old son of the Liau family, who has battled bone marrow and blood-related issues for years and had to give up his beloved sports of basketball and baseball.

Parker Liau

The younger brother of Peter, who was a perfect marrow match and underwent a life-saving transplant with his brother in 2024.

St. Knicks

The New York Knicks basketball team, who collaborated with the Garden of Dreams Foundation to surprise the Liau family with the $20,000 gift.

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What they’re saying

“It's an incredible blessing. This money will go a long way in helping us navigate the challenges we've faced as a family.”

— Kevin Liau, Father

“The past few years have been a whirlwind of emotions and financial strain. It's been a perfect storm of challenges, but we're determined to stay strong.”

— Jessica Liau, Mother

“It was scary not knowing what was wrong. But once I understood my condition, it became even more frightening. I'm grateful for the support of my family and the medical team.”

— Peter Liau, Son

What’s next

The Liau family plans to use the $20,000 gift to help cover their medical expenses and rebuild their home, which was destroyed in a fire last year. They are also looking forward to continuing their relationship with the Knicks organization and the Garden of Dreams Foundation, as the team has invited them to more games and events in the future.

The takeaway

This heartwarming story showcases the power of community support and the positive impact that acts of kindness can have on families facing significant hardships. The Knicks' generous gesture not only provided much-needed financial assistance to the Liau family but also lifted their spirits and renewed their sense of hope during a challenging period, demonstrating the vital role that professional sports teams and charitable organizations can play in uplifting local communities.