Following Colleen's Footsteps with Lurie Children's Hospital Toy Drive

Dec 3, 2020

This month, the Gleasons donated to the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago's toy drive in Colleen’s honor. Due to pandemic restrictions, Lurie Children’s Hospital moved their toy drive exclusively online at Amazon.com. The Gleason family fulfilled wish lists for multiple patients at Lurie Children’s, following in Colleen’s footsteps. The family remembers well the meaning of the toy drive to Colleen in December, 2012, while she waited for her second heart transplant.

Selflessly, while an inpatient at Lurie Children’s Hospital, Colleen amazed all by still orchestrating a successful toy drive for others. This speaks volumes about Colleen’s generous spirit. Colleen wrote: “I was able to pick out all of these toys for kids on the cardiac floor from "Colleen's Secret Santa Fund" in which over $500 was raised. I will be delivering them on Christmas! So excited!

“Colleen had a great Christmas Day handing out toys she purchased through her "Secret Santa" fund raised in her name...[her brothers] Michael and Blake were a big help!” said her mother, Christine, in 2012.

Of course Santa and Mrs. Claus had to visit their fantastic helper. Even from her hospital room, Colleen found a way to be happy and appreciative. When Colleen shared this photo on social media, she wrote: Santa and Mrs. Claus just visited with a few goodies and a HUGE stuffed animal! It's icky outside, but I'm having a holly jolly day in here!

This month, the Gleasons donated to the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago's toy drive in Colleen’s honor. Due to pandemic restrictions, Lurie Children’s Hospital moved their toy drive exclusively online at amazon.com. The Gleason family purchased gift cards to fulfill wish lists for multiple patients at Lurie Children’s, following in Colleen’s footsteps.