Meet Marlene Toot, Volunteer Baby Cuddler and Valued Donor

Marlene Toot has a heart for helping others. One of the ways she does this is by taking action—from volunteering her time to making financial gifts in support of causes she cares about.

Akron Children’s Foundation has been fortunate enough to experience Marlene’s support firsthand. In 2019, she and her husband, Joe, made a gift to support our Akron Children’s Health Center, North Canton. She joined the Akron Children’s Foundation Foundation board of directors in 2022 and recently completed her training to be a volunteer cuddler in our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

In June, Marlene extended her generosity even further by making a planned gift through her will/living trust to create two endowment funds: The Marlene K. Toot Leukemia Endowment Fund and The Marlene K. Toot Infant Mortality Endowment Fund.

“A planned gift through my will/living trust gives a tested and secure means by which one can provide financial support to Akron Children’s in the future,” explained Marlene.

Honoring Family

In the mid-1960s, Marlene’s sister, Mary Ann Giaquinta, was diagnosed with leukemia. Her family spent a great deal of time at Akron Children’s before Mary Ann passed away.

“The staff and medical personnel were very concerned about her,” said Marlene. “The evening she died, the hospital asked if they could perform an autopsy. My dad said, ‘If it can help you save another little girl, you should do it.’”

Six decades later, Marlene took her father’s words to heart, creating The Marlene K. Toot Leukemia Endowment Fund through her will/living trust. Through her gift, she also prioritized supporting the hospital’s efforts to combat infant mortality after discovering how high the rates are in Ohio.

“I’ve had the opportunity to discuss my gift with both areas of the hospital,” said Marlene. “I feel confident in how this gift will be used in research and treatment for both leukemia and infant mortality. Again, in the words of my father, if it can help save some other family’s child, I’m happy to make this gift.”

Encouraging the Donor Community

When it comes to supporting Akron Children’s, particularly through a planned gift, Marlene notes that there are many ways one person can make an impact.

“We’re fortunate to have Akron Children’s in our midst. It’s such a worthwhile place to support,” said Marlene. “If you want to volunteer, there are wonderful, fulfilling opportunities available to you. If you choose to support the hospital financially, your donation will be used properly—the way that you want it to be used.”

Help Ensure Healthier Futures for Children

One planned gift can make a big impact at Akron Children’s. To learn more, contact Jason V. Sanders, JD at 330-543-8343 or plannedgiving@akronchildrens.org.