Thank you for taking the time to visit our Walk for Babies fundraising page to benefit the NICU Akron Children’s Hospital.

 On 8/12/23 our son Ethan Daniel Hoover was born 12 weeks premature and immediately taken to Akron Children’s hospital NICU where he will spend his first few months of life. Though this journey has just began for Ethan, his mother and I we have already been touched and blessed by the team taking care of Ethan. We have also benefitted greatly by previous features provided by the Walk for Babies. The NICVIEW camera has made it possible for Ethan’s grandparents to see their beautiful grandson. Though watching through the NICVIEW camera may not be in the traditional sense it helps comfort Ethan’s grandparents while he is safely being monitored and away from germs and other potential threats.  In addition Ethan’s mother, Jordan, and I have been able to utilize the kangaroo chairs which were donated by the organization to enjoy kangaroo time, provide skin to skin contact  with Ethan. Jordan and I encourage deeply appreciate any participation to this event which can provide life changing benefits for several families that experience some of the hardest struggles in a child’s life.

Thank you,

Christian Hoover

In 2017, Walk for Babies hit a mile stone of over $1 Million dollars raised since 2008.  Without the support of community members like you, Akron Children’s Hospital would not be able to supply the needed assistance to patients and their families in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Akron Children's Hospital's NICU treats 1,800 children annually and is nationally ranked according to U.S News & World Report.

Walk for Babies was created by one family and now has the support of over 1,700 participants, plus their friends and family. As we look towards the future, our goal is to continue to create a community event that makes an impact on local patients for many years to come. 

Akron Children’s Hospital is the largest pediatric healthcare provider in Northeast Ohio and provides care through more than 1,100,000 outpatient visits per year. Care is delivered at hospital campuses in Akron and the Mahoning Valley or in one of 27 pediatrician offices or 80 pediatric specialty locations across the region. Through gifts like yours, the hospital is able to purchase vital medical equipment, offer programs that bring extra comfort to families during difficult times and fund innovative research that helps identify new ways of diagnosing and treating illnesses.

Thank you for your support of Akron Children’s mission and dedication to improving the health of the communities served.  We look forward to you joining us on Sunday, September 17, 2023. 

As we progress in my fundraising endeavors, We hope that you check back frequently for updates and stories of patients in our communities.