Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health patients are spreading holiday cheer. Three exclusive ornaments designed by Riley kids are available for a limited time, with all proceeds benefiting The Gift of Hope Happens Here year-end giving campaign led by Riley Children’s Foundation.
The Gift of Hope Happens Here campaign, supported statewide by Fifth Third Bank and Indiana Blood Center, raises funds and provides hope to thousands of families seeking help for seriously ill and injured children – care that only Riley Hospital for Children can provide. Anyone can #GiveHope to Riley Hospital through donations at RileyKids.org and by purchasing ornaments.
Riley kid Brielle Hapner, 2, of Fort Wayne is one of three ornament artists. Brielle a survivor of neuroblastoma. Thanks to the care she received at Riley, Brielle is now cancer free and enjoys dancing, playing outside and doing gymnastics. Brielle’s “Mistletoes” ornament is available for $10 at Fifth Third Bank branches.
“We invite our customers to contribute to the Gift of Hope campaign by visiting Fifth Third Bank financial centers during November and December to purchase a special-edition ornament only available at our locations. Every dollar raised will go to Riley Hospital,” said Steven Alonso, president and CEO of Fifth Third Bank Greater Indiana. “We are excited to partner with an organization that is so widely respected and recognized because it provides Fifth Third a wonderful opportunity to impact the entire state by improving lives and strengthening families.”
Riley holiday ornaments are available at the following locations:
Christmas Tree Ornament
Riley Patient/Artist: Grayson Connor, 5, Evansville
Grayson’s journey with Riley Hospital for Children began in December 2014 when he received a diagnosis of high-risk B cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). A favorite memory for Grayson was getting to throw a football with Andrew Luck during “Riley Kids’ Day” at Colts training camp.
Availability: RileyHolidayCards.org, at Indiana Blood Center donor centers starting December 2 (free with blood donation), and French Lick Resort
Mistletoes Ornament
Riley Patient/Artist: Brielle Hapner, 2, Fort Wayne
Brielle is 2 years old and a survivor of neuroblastoma. She is a happy, energetic, intelligent and beautiful little girl who brings joy to those around her. Her favorite things include Elmo, Frozen, dancing, playing outside, gymnastics and baby dolls.
Availability: Fifth Third Bank
Elf Ornament
Riley Patient/Artist: Iviee Green-Cash, 10, Indianapolis
In March 2005, Iviee was born prematurely at 24 weeks gestation due to a placental abruption. She weighed 1 pound and 5 ounces and spent 106 days in Riley Hospital for Children’s Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Since then, she has returned to Riley often for follow-up visits, therapy and multiple surgeries. Iviee is now a 10-year-old student at Westlake Elementary School.
Availability: Speedway Convenience Stores
The artwork for these ornaments are also available as holiday cards at RileyHolidayCards.org. All proceeds from these holiday cards benefit The Gift of Hope Happens Here campaign.
Submitted release
