
Akron Children’s Miracles and Promises Radiothon raised $190,455 to help us care for children in the Mahoning Valley, regardless of their ability to pay.
For the first few weeks that Bekah was a tenant of Akron Children’s NICU, we spent most of our time worrying about what exactly was going on with her. As the days went by and she became more stable, we began to notice that there were tons of other sick babies.
Some of those babies had people who sat by them (like us) all day and night, just waiting to see open eyes, or a tiny smile, or even just a change in monitor numbers. Some of those babies had people who had to go to work, or take care of other children, or other things, but hurried in at all possible moments to see them.
Some of those babies had no one but the nurses and doctors who were taking care of them to visit with, and the occasional visit from a hospital volunteer. But all of those babies, each and every one, needed Akron Children’s Hospital and the generous people and companies who support it.
That’s why, when we were asked to be part of the 2012 Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley Radiothon, we were incredibly honored.
Since Chris is a little short on vacation days at this point in the year (he likes to say that he went to warm and sunny Akron for most of January and a few days of March for vacation this year), it was just me and the Beks. Well, Grammy came along to play the part of “baby warden” just in case a little someone decided to try to get a little crazy.
We were there and ready at 9 o’clock on Wednesday morning, and in true Bekah style, she started making friends as soon as we walked through the door. We met other parents and patients, volunteers (Bekah even talked one into giving her some beads), staff, and tons of other people who were all there for the same reason—to help other kids like Bekah.
While I love to share our story, I love to hear the stories of others even more, even (like often happened during the three days we spent listening to the Miracles and Promises Radiothon) when those stories bring tears to my eyes.
And, to be honest, more often than not, the stories of how so many little lives are changed through the generosity of donors, and the incredible care of the people who work for Akron Children’s Hospital didn’t just bring tears to my eyes.
The stories left me filled with gratitude that we have a place like Children’s and so many people who love and support the children who are treated there.
Read the rest of Sarah and Rebekah’s story through her blog, Following Your Heart.
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