On Thursday, December 20th Santa Claus paid a special visit to approximately fifteen hem/onc patients and their siblings. Whether they were four years old or eighteen years old, it made little difference as Santa did not disappoint. One lucky recipient received an actual, full-size outdoor basketball hoop. The gifts were hand picked by Santa’s helpers (several students) who currently attend Nordonia and Independence High Schools.
This is the eighteenth straight year Santa (Gary Kanaga) visited Rainbow. Mr. Kanaga is a teacher at Nordonia High School and wrestling coach at Ashland University. He and his wife (Stacy) have kindly given back Rainbow each and every year. Not only have they given their time and effort to our shared cause, but they continue to exceed expectations through the aptly named fund they founded, “Gifts From The Heart.”
Gary’s brother, Glenn, a cancer survivor was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Disease and treated at the Ireland Cancer Center in the late 80’s and early 90’s. He is currently in remission and lives in Euclid with his fiancé and son Colin.
Dr. John Letterio (Chief – Pediatric Hem/Onc Division) and colleagues were on hand to graciously accept a $3,000 donation that will undoubtedly benefit the division greatly.