Red Shoe Society Honors Colleen
Jun 3, 2021
Christine Gleason shares a very meaningful unveiling at the Ronald McDonald House at Lurie Children’s Hospital:
Tonight we were invited to the Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children’s to privately view the brick Red Shoe Society placed on the rooftop garden in Colleen’s honor. A proud but emotional moment. We are so grateful and honored. The placement could not have been better, in front of the fountain. The most beautiful perfect spot on the rooftop. We are honored to be a part of the wonderful organization and family, The Red Shoe Society.
Jack Gilhooly, Development Manager for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana, further explains the generous gift, “We all just wanted to permanently honor Colleen’s legacy and her selfless and giving spirit. Colleen exemplifies what the Ronald McDonald House Charity is all about--helping others!”
Memorial bricks give the gift of love and help create a pathway of support for families of hospitalized children through the brick legacy program. When you purchase a brick for a House, you provide essential funds that help the families of critically ill children stay together. The brick legacy program is a special way to honor someone special.
Colleen’s memory is now preserved at a fitting intersection of her beloved Chicago, her life-saving Lurie Children’s, and with whom she selflessly volunteered, Red Shoe Society at Ronald McDonald House. As her mom says, “Colleen is looking down smiling.”
Colleen had two heart transplants (one at the old Children’s Memorial Hospital at age three and one at Lurie Children’s at age 20) and her family stayed at the RMH near Lurie’s for her second transplant. While she was recovering, they were having as lovely a stay as possible. She gave back to the organization that gave her family so much by joining the Red Shoe Society and becoming the co-chair of the Volunteer Events Committee. Red Shoe Society has made Colleen a Leadership Team Member In Memorium.
