Meet our Honorary Captain: Landon

Landon Groves was born on September 4, 2019, with immediate respiratory and feeding complications. After over a month in the NICU at Albany Medical Center, he went home with a G-tube and a loving family, including four older siblings.

At just three months old, Landon was diagnosed with Kabuki Syndrome—a rare genetic disorder affecting his immune system, growth, and development. His first year was filled with repeated hospital stays for serious respiratory illnesses. Then, just before his first birthday, Landon was diagnosed with high-risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, B-cell type. Treatment began right away.

While Landon responded to chemotherapy, it took a major toll. He developed a stricture that closed off his mid-esophagus, worsening his already fragile airway and leaving him unable to swallow. He spent years in Albany Med’s PICU before being referred to Boston Children’s Hospital for specialized care. On September 29, 2022, he underwent a 13-hour esophageal reconstruction and airway repair. His mom stayed by his side throughout his months-long recovery—and he made it home just in time for Christmas.

Landon continued receiving care in both Boston and at the Melodies Center at Albany Med. In early 2024, he rang the bell—cancer free.

In early 2025, he faced another life-threatening challenge when a flu virus caused aspiration pneumonia and landed him back in the PICU on a ventilator. True to form, Landon fought back with everything he had. He is now home, recovering, and his family remains hopeful for a full recovery.

Building on Love was introduced to Landon’s family in 2021, and since then, they’ve become an important part of our community. In 2023, Landon made history as the first-ever Honorary Captain at Mites Mania. His strength, spirit, and smile continue to inspire everyone he meets—on and off the ice.