Touched by Nathan Finds Home at Akron Children’s

BOARDMAN, Ohio – The Touched by Nathan Foundation, founded by Struthers couple Ken and Vicki Pavalko, has been awarded a grant of $50,000 and turned over the foundation to Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley. 

Now named the Touched by Nathan Fund, the hospital will continue its mission to support families with medically fragile babies.

“Every day, babies are born with fragile conditions that threaten future hopes and dreams. For these families who are devastated by such circumstances, the Touched by Nathan Fund offers education, help and comfort to inspire hope in an understanding and compassionate way,” said JoAnn Stock, senior director of development at Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley.

The Pavalkos formed the foundation 18 years ago in honor of their son, Nathan Charles Pavalko, who was born with a congenital birth defect and died 40 days after his birth. After receiving support from friends, family and the community, the couple wanted to find a way to help other families in similar situations, particularly those who didn’t have a strong support network.

The Touched by Nathan Fund will offer assistance to local families as they deal with the financial stresses associated with having a medically fragile baby. It will help provide assistance for transportation costs for doctors and hospital visits, car beds for infants who are not able to sit upright, hospital meal vouchers for parents, funeral expenses and more.

The fund will hold its 12th annual fundraiser on May 21 at Mount Carmel Banquet Center in Youngstown.

For more information, visit TouchedByNathan.org or call 330 629 9059.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.