| A pasta dinner fundraiser for the Hayes family is planned for March 18 starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron (3300 Morewood Road). |
Ryan Hayes is a sophomore at FHS; and his mother, Gwen Dee Hayes, is the piano teacher at Miller South School for Visual and Performing Arts. Ryan is a member of two choirs at Firestone CLC as well as other teams/clubs. A little more than two weeks ago, the Firestone CLC Symphonic Choir traveled to Chicago to attend a professional national conference of music directors. Upon return, Ryan became ill with the flu, was hospitalized in intensive care at Akron Children's Hospital and has suffered a series of complications -- among them, pneumonia and organ failure.
Ryan had been connected to various pieces of equipment in ICU and has been in critical condition for nearly two weeks. Thousands of prayers have been said for Ryan and his family. The community has really rallied for the family. In Gwen's words, "The unity of our community has built a fortress of love and support beyond my wildest imagination."
Last Friday, the Firestone Men's Chorus, Women's Chorusand Symphonic Choir competed in the regional Ohio Music Education Association adjudicated event. Ryan is a member of two of the choirs. He couldn't be there, but the kids took him along in spirit.
Today, Ryan is recovering. He's still in ICU but doing much better. The Firestone and Miller South communities are doing much to support the family. The Firestone CLC Bowling Team had a fundraiser at Chipotle with proceeds that normally would support the bowling team now being delivered to the Hayes family. Lines at the restaurant were out the door, we're told.