David Detwiler and his siblings in front of his tree at this year’s Annual Tree Festival.
Every year since 2019, the Detwiler family has donated a tree to the Akron Children’s Tree Festival in honor of their youngest child, David, who was born blind, without a functioning kidney or bladder and with spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy.
“David’s care at Akron Children’s is 100% the reason he is still here today,” said David’s mom, Carlla. “Participating in the Tree Festival is our way to give back to the hospital that has given us so much.”
At just 4 ½ years old, 2023 was a rough year for David due to a sepsis infection and bone marrow issues. He was hospitalized more times than his parents can count.
“We couldn’t ever thank the hospital enough for walking beside us, through all of those peaks and valleys,” said Carlla.
David’s tree showcases inclusiveness themed décor. The tree features braille alphabet ornaments, texture and sensory items so someone who is blind or visually impaired can also enjoy the tree. The tree was purchased by Christy Solis and her husband Jason (pictured) who plan to donate the tree back to the hospital after the holidays.
Each year, Carlla and her husband, Brad, bring their 4 kids which also include Domenik, Daniel and Stella to the tree festival.
“Our friends and family from near and far support us by coming along,” said Carlla. “It’s become a yearly tradition to kick off the holiday season.”
The Detwiler’s good friend, Deona Chavez, volunteers her time to create and decorate the tree every year.
“This year’s theme was ‘David’s Big Adventure’ because miraculously, our sweet boy was able to start school this past year,” said Carlla. “This was a boy who had a very low chance of surviving birth, and has not only done that, but he is thriving.”
Part of the idea behind David’s tree was to showcase inclusiveness themed décor. The tree features braille alphabet ornaments, texture and sensory items so someone who is blind or visually impaired can also enjoy the tree.
“This year’s tree might be hard to top,” said Carlla.
David celebrated finally being able to return to school after a rough year.
Christy Solis agrees. She and her husband were the ones who purchased the tree.
“I’m a literacy specialist, and I work with kids with learning differences. Teaching is my passion,” she said. “When I read David’s story and how he is thriving against all odds, I knew this was the tree I wanted.
“It’s such a cool tree,” she added. “The tree topper is made out of colored pencils, it has a wise old owl, a globe, math and science books, braille letters, homemade ornaments and ribbons that say back to school.”
Christy and her family will enjoy the tree this holiday season and plan to donate it back to the hospital so it can be enjoyed by hospitalized kids in future years.
Although it was the hardest year of David’s life due to his frequent hospitalizations and surgeries, 2023 is ending on a high note.
“After getting clearance from his team of doctors at Akron Children’s, David’s Big Adventure at school will start this year,” said Carlla. “He is so excited, and we are even more excited to see what this little miracle does.”
