Hirschbecks deliver Christmas cheer to palliative care families

Organizers had to get a little creative this year, but no way were the Hirschbecks going to let a pandemic get in the way of brightening the spirits of some very deserving and special children this year.John and Denise Hirschbeck, founders of the Magic of Michael Foundation, each year shop for, purchase, wrap and present gifts to families of palliative care patients at Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley. This year, due to COVID, they connected with the families online.Instead of hosting them at the Beeghly campus as in years past, the Hirschbecks were invited into the families’ own living rooms – virtually – one by one to meet them and watch them open gifts.Hirschbecks make wish list items come trueHospital representatives worked with the families and presented wish list items to the Magic of Michael Foundation. They’re also provided with the personal stories of the health and economic challenges these children and families face.“Those papers are my bible and I’ve had them for over a month. We always feel like we get to know these kids and families, and it’s nice to put a face to a name,” Denise said.