Joy and glee at the Ace Christmas Tree Farm
Spirits and hospital rooms were made a little brighter for children and families at Riley Hospital for Children in downtown Indianapolis last Friday afternoon.
Riley patients were invited to “cut down” and decorate their own four-foot, artificial Christmas tree from the Ace Christmas Tree Farm to keep in their rooms this holiday season. Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and Riley Children’s Foundation partner Ace Hardware set up the tree farm in the Simon Family Tower lobby.
One family who trimmed a tree was Cinthia and Luis Galvez. Their two-year-old son Leo had kidney surgery at Riley Children’s Health recently after being diagnosed with Wilms’ tumor in the fall. Leo has been a Riley kid since being born with complex medical needs. He is currently an inpatient at the hospital and will likely spend the upcoming holidays there.
“This is so heartwarming,” said Cinthia. “I know it’s going to bring a lot of happiness to Leo in his room, especially being here during this season. We want him at home, but this definitely makes here feel a little more cozy.”
The family was also able to pick out dinosaur ornaments, Leo’s favorite, to adorn his shiny new tree. Leo has been a Riley kid since being born with complex medical needs.
“It’s nice to still have the holiday season while he’s away from home and celebrate as a family together in some way or another,” said Luis.
This was the second annual Ace Christmas Tree Farm at the hospital. Along with the tree-cutting, patients and families enjoyed cookie decorating, a hot chocolate stand and creating ornaments.
“At Ace, we always say we exist to help others, and this is just one way we can do that,” said Brian Moore, Central Indiana Ace Hardware Group leader and Monticello Ace Hardware owner. “Seeing all the smiles on the kids’ faces, the parents’ faces, it means so much just to bring a little joy in what might be an unfortunate time.”
Thank you to Ace Hardware leaders and volunteers for providing
holiday cheer this season. Ace Hardware stores fundraise for Riley year-round
in their locally owned stores through register donations. You can join Ace
Hardware in making a difference for every child in Indiana.