Heart Center Donation & Toys For Lurie Children’s Hospital

Dec 25, 2023

Thank you to all for your generous donations during the Giving Season 2023. The Gleason family and the Colleen Cares Organization were able to provide many gifts to children in the hospital and present a check for continued heart research.

Colleen Cares contributed towards the Amazon wish list with over 100 gifts. Items were chosen from these categories:

• Arts & Craft items

• Coloring & Drawing items

• Lego & Duplo sets

• Games

• Clothing

• Books

• Medical play sets

• Activity sets

• Tonie boxes & figures

 Because of you, patients and families experiencing medical crises are being supported in many meaningful ways. Thank you from us and all the recipients!

The Gleason family Christmas always includes a visit to Lurie Children’s Hospital in memory of Colleen. This year Mike, Christine, Michael and Blake (dad, mom and brothers, respectively) met with Hayley Salata (Development Officer) to donate $25,000 to the Heart Center. This will further help all the wonderful research and care provided at Lurie Children’s Hospital.

While there, they visited the room that Colleen spent countless nights in for her various heart transplants and medical visits. Behind the shaded window is a view of Tiffany’s flagship store on Michigan Ave, a view that Colleen would always talk about. Focus on the wall left of the window and you’ll see the Window of Hope plaque dedicated to Colleen.

Another dedication area is the Wall of Hope. Colleen is again included in this area. She really impacted so many people! We will always recall her own generous spirit and sparkling smile.

It was a busy day full of memories, gratitude and giving-back. Our hearts will always ache a bit harder on days like this, and yet we smile and act with hope for those still struggling.

Thank you again for your support to Colleen Cares.