BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—A newly established local nonprofit organization is stepping up to provide unique experiences and final wishes for area children facing life-threatening illnesses and senior citizens in hospice care.
Founded by local volunteer Brent Smith, Love’s Reflection officially launched its operations following a year of development and process-building alongside regional healthcare partners. Sponsored by First Federal Community Bank, the organization actively operates two primary service branches: “Love Beyond Words,” which serves pediatric palliative care patients in conjunction with Akron Children’s Hospital, and “Beyond the Bucket List,” which coordinates meaningful final experiences for seniors under hospice care.
The nonprofit recently kicked off its partnership with Akron Children’s Hospital by hosting a special “Love in Action Day” at Craig Smith RV, hosting 165 pediatric palliative care families. Love’s Reflection is currently executing its first official wishes, which include arranging a private performance by an Elvis Presley impersonator for a terminally ill resident in Crawford County, and organizing a three-night coastal RV getaway at Charles Mill Lake for a 13-year-old local girl undergoing cancer treatments.
In addition to fulfilling bucket-list experiences, the group runs a program called “Portraits of Love,” which transforms family photographs into custom paintings for grieving families following the loss of a loved one. Smith, who spent three years as a local hospice volunteer before launching the nonprofit, noted that the group is also scheduling upcoming sessions with the Akron Children’s Hospital burn unit to expand confidence-building programs for recovering youth.
Community members looking to volunteer, provide corporate sponsorships, or offer financial assistance can connect with the organization online at lovesreflection.org or by contacting project organizers directly at 419-544-3135.