Winter 2009 - Arkansas Children's Hospital

COMMUNITY EVENTSTen-year-old Darien Domingos surviveda traumatic ATV accident and nowencourages ATV safety. In November, hevisited with several Kohl’s Cares for Kidsvolunteers about his experience.ATV Safety a Priorityfor ACH and Kohl’sTwo years ago, 8-year-old Darien Domingos was riding anATV with his father, carrying a gun across his lap. The ATVhit a bump and the gun went off, shooting Darien in theshoulder.Accidents like Darien’s are all too common in Arkansas. In2007, Arkansas Children’s Hospital had 76 patients admittedto the hospital due to ATV accidents. Nearly all of thoseinjured were unsupervised, not wearing a helmet and carryingone or more passengers.In November, the Kohl’s Cares for Kids ® program donated$118,190 to ACH to fund a comprehensive ATV safety educationcampaign, which will include TV public service announcements.Darien survived the incident. He has had multiple surgeries atACH and continues to visit the hospital. He and his mother,Misty, now speak out about the accident and encourage ATVsafety.Hank’s to Help Create Play Space for Young Cancer PatientsThroughout the month of June, Hank’s patrons were encouragedto donate $25 to ACH. For each $25 donation, a stuffed animalwas also donated to the hospital.Hank’s Furniture and More recently donated $24,000 toACH as part of a multi-year pledge to benefit the hematology/oncologyunit in the hospital’s soon-to-be-constructedSouth Wing. An infant/toddler playroom in the hem/onc unitwill be named in honor of the gift.The funds were raised through Hank’s annual anniversarypromotion. During June, a portion of the proceeds from allsales benefit ACH.The money was presented to ACH representatives inNovember, along with hundreds of stuffed animals. The toyswere purchased by Hank’s patrons and donated to the hospital.Each stuffed animal donated to the hospital included a tag withthis message: “This gift we give is from the heart, a furry friendwho’ll never part. We hope it gives you lots of joy, because it’smore than just a toy!”“It was very heartwarming to see such generosity from ourcustomers and employees,” says Hank Browne, owner of thehome furnishings stores. “It is always a pleasure to give toArkansas Children’s Hospital.”17