Published: Oct. 30, 2012
LANSING, Mich. - When four-year-old Charlie Waller of East Lansing was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor nearly two years ago, his family was determined not to let his illness be in vain.
With the cooperation of the Sparrow Foundation, Charlie and his parents will host the second annual "Art for Charlie" at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1, at the Marriott in East Lansing. "Art for Charlie" is an art auction that helps raise money for children's hospice services in mid-Michigan. Hundreds of artists across the United States and Europe have donated their artwork to help the cause.
"Charlie has been such an inspiration to this entire community and really across the globe," said Joy Wiseman, a Development Director at the Sparrow Foundation, which is helping to raise money for the program. "There is a need for child hospice services in mid-Michigan and Sparrow is working to create that program. 'Art for Charlie' can help bring awareness to children who are sick."
Sparrow is the first hospital in mid-Michigan to offer a dedicated children's unit. Sparrow today is home to the region's only full-service pediatric emergency department. And, as the region's Children's Miracle Network hospital, Sparrow is able to provide families the most advanced technology and treatment options in pediatric and neonatal care.
For more information on "Art for Charlie" and to find out how you can help, visit www.artforcharlie.com.