NHL Hall of Famer opens playroom for Lejeune children

NHL Hall of Famer Mario Lemieux was at Camp Lejeune Tuesday morning to dedicate a children's play room at the Naval hospital there.

Posted 7:57 p.m. Oct 20, 2015 — Updated 7:57 p.m. Oct 20, 2015

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — NHL Hall of Famer Mario Lemieux was at Camp Lejeune Tuesday morning to dedicate a children's play room at the Naval hospital there.

As part of his foundation, Lemieux, who played for and is part owner of the Pittsburgh Penguins, and his wife, Nathalie, raise funds for hospital play rooms for the siblings of extremely ill children. They were inspired by the experience of caring for their infant son, Austin, who was born premature while trying to entertain their older children.

The Austin’s Playroom Project has 32 locations nationwide and the one at Camp Lejeune makes three on military bases.

"It is my hope that this playroom provides the necessary healing and comfort for these very special military families,” Nathalie Lemieux said.

The Lemieuxs were joined by Rear Admiral Terry Moulton, MSC, USN, Commander, Navy Medicine East – Director, Enhanced Tidewater Multi-Service Market Office – Director, Medical Service Corps and Captain Rick Freedman, DC, USN, Commanding Officer, Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune.

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