Monday, December 7, 2009

Remembering Ryan


Many of you may know my dear friend, Tina Zarlenga. She is such an amazing woman, and like most women with that title, she has been through quite a lot. Sixteen years ago, Tina and her husband Joel lost their oldest child, their 5 year old son, to encephalitis. Today would have been their son Ryan's 22nd birthday. You can read more about their story here.

Since this is really a season of giving, I would like to invite you to donate new or gently used books to the hospital that made every attempt to help Ryan and his family. In the past, Tina has held successful toy drives in his name, helping out the hospital. This year she has graciously and unselfishly decided to help in building a library at Metro Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. Books filled Ryan's days with fun and sparked his imagination, so it is especially fitting that this book drive is in memory of him. As always, monetary donations are also welcome. Checks can be made payable to the Metro Hospital Child Life Foundation.

Feel free to mail donations or drop off books to the following places, on or before December 23:

Zarlenga Residence
6475 W. Smith Rd.
Medina, OH 44256

Blackburn Residence
38739 Bridle Ct.
Avon, OH 44011

McDonnell Residence
19290 W. 130th St.
Strongsville, OH 44136

Turay Residence
9291 Victoria Ln.
N. Ridgeville, OH 44039

Thank you so much for your consideration.

Tina and Joel, Chelsea and Zach--I love you. I am blessed to have you as friends, and I am humbled by your courage and grace. I hope this is a crazy wonderfully successful venture!!

"There are many little ways to enlarge your child's world. Love of books is the best of all." --Jacqueline Kennedy

6 comments:

Laina Lamb said...

I have a whole bag of books to be dropped off at your house. I knew Tina and her family were amazing before - now even more.

Molly Umland said...

I would like to put this request for books out there to the women I know--I will as k Tina if it is okay to put on my facebook and my babysitting co-ops. I have MANY books I will drop off this week!

Vanessa, Florida, USA said...

This is such a meaningful way to cherish his memory and contribute to a great cause. Tina really is amazing :)

Ryzmomplus2 said...

Wow, was not expecting to see this... thanks Trish and everyone who has shared kind words here and on my blog!

Jen Gallacher said...

As someone who spent a great deal of time in the hospital with my oldest, I can attest to how much we appreciated videos games, books, and small toys which helped to pass the VERY long hours!

justem said...

This post, and Tina's story brought tears to my eyes. What a wonderful thing that she is doing!! I wish I lived closer to home where my mom has tons of my books from when I was a kid! There are so many that are just like new!!