Windsor's Alex Inyatkin, 17, had the opportunity of a lifetime this week, taking the mic to sing the national anthem at Madison Square Garden.
Monday night was Rangers Garden of Dreams Night at Madison Square Garden, which kicked off Garden of Dreams Week, taking place Dec. 2 through Saturday, Dec. 7.
Throughout Garden of Dreams Week, the foundation will host various programming and events daily, raise awareness and raise funds in support of Garden of Dreams' mission to provide life-changing opportunities to young people facing obstacles.
On Monday night, young people from the foundation participated in various pre-game and in-game programming, including singing the national anthem, serving as PA announcers, honorary Blue Crew and more. As part of this, Inyatkin from Make-A-Wish Connecticut sang the National Anthem on the ice before the game.
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Alex had a brain resection at just 18 months old to treat a seizure disorder and Tuberous Sclerosis, a rare condition that causes tumors to develop in the brain and other organs.
He has autism and developmental delays, but music has always made sense to him and become a source of joy and self-expression.
With an assist from Make-A-Wish Connecticut and the Garden of Dreams Foundation, Inyatkin got a special opportunity to share his passion for music with a packed house at Madison Square Garden.