Fundraising Hits Home for Rite Aid District Manager

Each time Tim Rang, a Rite Aid district manager, walks into work and sees a Miracle Balloon hanging on the wall, he knows first-hand the impact of that dollar raised. His family spent extended periods of time at our Network’s Beaumont Children's Hospital, when his sister gave birth to premature babies: Maddie, born at 27 weeks and Jacob, born at 30 weeks.

Between both children, the family spent more than four months at their member hospital, celebrating the progress of each little one. Accomplishments such as gaining a pound, being weaned off oxygen and successfully feeding off a bottle for the first time, were rewarded with beads; each infant earning enough to fill an adult-length necklace.

Even after both children returned home, the long days and nights in the pediatric ward weren’t over; Maddie has since been diagnosed and is regularly treated for partial complex epilepsy. 

From Tim’s perspective, in addition to purchasing the equipment that helped keep Maddie and Jacob alive, it was the “little things” CMN Hospitals funds helped pay for that made their time at the hospital bearable. From the food pantry available to families, to the crafts and games offered to help pass time.

As this year’s fundraising campaign for Rite Aid kicks off this week, Tim, his sister and their entire family are grateful to those who donate at drugstore locations across North America. The brand’s tagline, “With us, it’s personal” could not be more fitting. They understand that regardless of the amount, every dollar helps shape the experience for a sick or injured child in need.

Now through Saturday, May 24, Rite Aid associates will invite customers to purchase a $1 paper Miracle Balloon that will directly benefit Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. Rite Aid is celebrating 20 years of miracles and $64 million in funds raised since becoming a partner with Children's Miracle Network Hospitals in 1994. The money raised by Rite Aid funds critical care, ground-breaking research and life-saving equipment at 95 Children's Miracle Network Hospitals in communities served by Rite Aid.