Hirschbecks to be honored at champions event

Staff report

Poland

Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley will host its ninth annual Champion of Our Valley’s Children dinner May 7 at The Lake Club in Poland. The honorees are John and Denise Hirschbeck and family, who personally deliver wish-list items to families of Akron Children’s patients with complicated, serious or life-threatening health conditions through the Magic of Michael Foundation.

The organization was formed in honor of the Hirschbecks’ son, Michael, who passed away in 2014 from complications of adrenoleukodystrophy, a genetic brain disease.

Three individuals and organizations also will receive the Children’s Advocate Award that acknowledges those who express the spirit of caring and strive to make a difference in the lives of children in the community. This year’s recipients are Julie Costas; Janelle Nagy of the Piggyback Foundation of Youngstown; and Dr. Sergul Erzurum and Karen Segesto of Sight for All United.

Tickets are available for $50 per person and can be ordered by calling 330-746-8712 or online at www.akronchildrens.org/mychampions. Event sponsorships also are available.