Here’s a chance to help fight leukemia and other blood cancers by “Giving to Light the Night!”
It’s a campaign being advocated by 5-year-old Ava Turner of Munroe Falls and her family.
The invitation reads: “Help Ava ‘Kicking Kemia’s Butt’ Turner and her Light the Night Walk with captain/leukemia survivor Terri Cash and Team Cash for a Cure reach their $10,000 fundraising goal 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 15, at 204 Munroe Falls Ave., Munroe Falls.
“Bring your yard sale to us! Bring your crafts or just come to shop.” You get a booth/table for a $25 donation to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. To book a spot, please call Robin Turner at 330-907-9775 or email her at rnr52497@yahoo.com.
Ava, daughter of Robin and Rick Turner, was diagnosed Nov. 30, 2011, with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and is projected to be in treatment until Feb. 2, 2014.
“She is doing well and only has to have chemo injections once a month,” her mother said. “It makes for a rough week but she weathers it and we enjoy the other three weeks as much as we can. She does have some issues with her leg and back that often slow her down physically, side effects of chemo. … We even pushed her in her transport chair through a 5K!”
The couple’s 10-year-old daughter Meg also visits the hemo clinic for a blood disorder, but is doing well.
Terri Cash, who is on daily medicine to keep her leukemia at bay, started Team Cash for a Cure; the Turners joined her last year. “Ava and her fellow cancer fighters are going to be painting faces, helping kids make crafts” at the June 15 event.
Champions for Children
Entrepreneur and philanthropist Phil Maynard; the “Have a Heart, Do Your Part” radiothon; and the Walter W. Born Foundation will be the honorees at the eighth annual Champions for Children’s donor appreciation dinner at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Fairlawn Country Club.
“The foundation is so proud and honored to recognize our champion award winners,” said John D. Zolio, executive director of the Akron Children’s Hospital Foundation. “These winners truly exemplify the philanthropic legacy and spirit of the greater Akron community.”
• Maynard has been involved with the hospital for more than 20 years. He’s chaired the foundation’s board since 2007 and is chair of its Building on the Promise capital campaign. He is also founder of the Maynard Foundation, which supports nonprofits throughout northern Ohio.
• “Have a Heart, Do Your Part” has raised more than $8 million for the hospital since its inception in 2000. It airs live on 98.1-FM WKDD each February.
• The Walter W. Born Foundation, during the past 10 years, has donated nearly $1 million to the hospital. Its most recent $50,000 gift was used to purchase equipment for patients with cystic fibrosis.
Members of the hospital’s giving societies and their guests are encouraged to attend. Social hour at 5:30 p.m. is followed by dinner and the presentations.
For more information, please call 330-543-3558 or email Anne Merchant at AMerchant@chmca.org.
Barberton honored
Bravo to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Summit County, which recently hosted its 27th annual dinner and auction with more than 220 members, mental health professionals and community leaders in attendance.
The keynote speaker at the event, sponsored by the Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation, was Randye Kaye, a professional voice talent, actress, speaker and author of Ben Behind His Voices, an account of her son’s battle with schizophrenia that provides information and encouragement for other parents in the same trenches.
Leslie Powlette Stoyer and Ron Rett, NAMI’s executive directors, said the city of Barberton was honored for its support of mental health. “During the 2012-2013 years, Barberton established the Barberton Municipal Mental Health Court led by Judge David Fish and probation officer Rebecca Dilbeck.”
Also recognized were Patti Cleary, Barberton City Schools superintendent; Barberton Mayor William Judge; Vincent Morber, Barberton police chief; Joe Stefan, Barberton service director and president of Barberton City Schools board; and Sgt. James Dawson, CIT (crisis intervention training) officer, Barberton Police Department.
Other awards included the Heroes Making a Difference to the Chris and Joe Campo family; Journey of Hope, to Brian McRaven and Michael Zajdel; and Lifetime Achievement to NAMI board member and Hudson City Schools counselor Joan Sauer, and Don and Maria Sines of Stow.
Thrilled with generosity
Because it’s always nice to get follow-ups on messages aired in this column, I share the following happy note from Kathy Kubicza:
“In March, I made an appeal through your column for help with church song books for the residents at Rose Lane Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Massillon. Several generous folks called to offer free books, but regrettably, none were large print.
“Just when I thought I’d have to research other avenues, I got a call from Bonny King, an occupational therapist at the Blick Clinic in Akron. She teaches clients office skills and they needed a project!
“She saw my request in your column and felt our request would be a good fit for her group. Even better, it would be at no cost, covered by a grant!
“Unbelievably, they produced and assembled the books in about a month. They did such an incredible job; very professional, attractive and sturdy!
“I just want to express our gratitude for the generous donation of their time and skills. Their generosity has brought happiness to a really special group of people! God bless them for their hard work on our behalf!”
Blessing delivered!
Volunteer extraordinaire
Hats off again to Akron native Suzanne Burton Armour of Kalamazoo, Mich.
Eleven years ago, the Akron South High School, University of Akron and Case Western Reserve University graduate (a master’s in biology) snatched first place in the Michigan Senior Olympics weight-lifting competition in the 70-74 age division, having bench-pressed 105 pounds.
This time around, the now 82-year-old and lifelong learner is in the news again, this time for garnering the spotlight and a special award for her long-running volunteerism as a foster grandparent with Kalamazoo’s Senior Services program.
Her sister Gladys Burton Gibson of Akron is extremely proud.
Mature Muscles
Area senior citizens are encouraged to flex their muscles and improve their cardio function by enrolling in Build A Body Personal Training of Green (3339 Miller Park Road, Suite A) for free if they qualify for the SilverSneakers fitness programs.
Those who don’t qualify pay $5 per class for a punch card with two or more classes ($7 one-time walk-in fee).
The Mature Muscles classes convene 11 a.m. Mondays and 10 a.m. Wednesdays. It’s all aimed at improving the quality of life and daily activities.
Chairs are even offered for those who cannot stand for long periods of time; other concessions also made.
For more information, please call 330-361-9199 or visit www.buildabodypt.com.
Jewell Cardwell can be reached at 330-996-3567 or jcardwell@thebeaconjournal.com