Nationwide Children's saved my son's vision
In a split second everything can change. You hear a crash. Your son asks, "Mom, will I be okay?" You answer "yes" without even knowing if that's the truth.
In the summer of 2004, this was the reality for Cheryl Krueger, Founder and former President and Chief Executive Officer of Cheryl & Co., when she was
riding in the car with her son, Cavin, a ninth grader, and her parents. They were excited to be together on their way to celebrate Father's Day as a
family. Suddenly, a car pulled right out in front of them. Their car hit a ditch and barrel rolled. Cheryl describes it as an out-of-body experience. As
she called out to her family, she realized that her parents were okay. A nurse arrived on the scene and soon an ambulance was on the way.
Cavin, however, had to be cut free from the car and taken immediately to the nearest hospital, where they began running tests. Quickly realizing his
condition was more severe, the local hospital lifeflighted him to Nationwide Children's Hospital. "As I watched the transport team of doctors and nurses
help my only child, I was so grateful we were in the hands of Nationwide Children's. The attention to detail, sensitivity and state-of-the-art equipment
brought me comfort during the most frightening time of my life," Cheryl says.
From the moment the helicopter landed at Nationwide Children's, time was of the essence. The multidisciplinary medical team began running tests, which
resulted in the revelation that Cavin needed a three-hour surgery. The surgery ended up saving Cavin's eyesight. "So many muscles were shredded. Had it not
been for Nationwide Children's and the incredible care team, Cavin would have been blind in one eye. We are forever grateful," Cheryl says.
"You can pay people any amount of money to do their job, but you can't pay them to care," Cheryl adds. The caring Cheryl witnessed that day was true of all
Cheryl and Cavin's experiences at Nationwide Children's. This includes Cavin's first visit at at 2 years old after swallowing his mom's wedding ring, and
his visit in third grade when he suffered a concussion after collapsing on stage during a school concert.
Thanks to Nationwide Children's, Cavin's eyesight was saved. After years of follow-up appointments he was finally able to fulfill his lifelong of dream of
being a Buckeye and playing football at The Ohio State University. "Nationwide Children's means the world to me-if it wasn't for them I wouldn't have my
vision," Cavin says.
In honor of the life-changing care Cavin received, Cheryl made a planned gift commitment of $1.5 million to create the Cavin W. Green and Family Endowment
at Nationwide Children's Hospital. Planned giving is important to Cheryl as a way to leave a legacy and give back to a community that is founded on great
health care, education and philanthropy. "Nationwide Children's is such a great resource in our community with the best talent treating and saving our
children," Cheryl says.
"Without Nationwide Children's, Cavin would be blind in one eye. It's that simple. We get focused on the little things, but not having eyesight is a game
changer. Seeing Cavin be able to fulfill his dreams and try new opportunities was my chance to give back and help other children be treated with the love
and compassion Cavin received at Nationwide Children's," Cheryl says.
The generosity of benefactors like Cheryl Krueger, who leave a legacy of giving, changes the lives of our patients and families at Nationwide Children's,
and we are forever grateful. These gifts help Nationwide Children's fulfill its promise that no child need ever leave central Ohio for world-class medical
care, regardless of a family's ability to pay.
The Office of Planned Giving is ready to assist you and your advisors to help you plan the right gift to Nationwide Children's. Please contact:
Lori C. Aiello, J.D
Director, Planned Giving
[email protected]
614-355-5417