Eileen Burg (center) is presented with the Champions for Children award by Chris Gessner, president and CEO of Akron Children’s, and Shelly Brown, executive director of the Akron Children’s Foundation.
Akron Children’s recently awarded the Champions for Children award to long-time friend, donor and volunteer Eileen Burg.
For over 60 years, Eileen has been making a difference in the lives of some of our community’s most vulnerable children. It began when she served as a candy striper volunteer and later a student nurse at the hospital. Later, her passion for philanthropy only grew in part due to the generous spirit of her late husband, former FirstEnergy Chairman and CEO, Peter Burg.
Eileen’s passion centers around some of our most fragile patients – newborns in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Her support has helped with the purchase of an isolette and a ventilator. And that support has allowed her to connect with some families who have passed through the NICU. One family in particular has a special place in her heart. They’ve stayed in touch for the 16 years since the baby was in the NICU, allowing Eileen the opportunity to see the baby grow into a vibrant young adult – a very rewarding experience her.
Eileen (center) with her children Bill Burg (left) and Amy Cole (right)
Several years ago, she and Pete’s support was recognized with the naming of the H. Peter and Eileen Burg Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Wing in the Kay Jewelers Pavilion.
In addition, Eileen supports the Haslinger Family Pediatric Palliative Care Center where she helped establish the Sarah Elizabeth Friebert, MD Endowed Chair in Pediatric Palliative Care. She also helped establish a fund to support Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts led by Bernett Williams.
Since 2019, Eileen has given the hospital one of her most precious resources – her time – serving as a cuddler in our NICU. Most Mondays she can be found in one of the rooms cuddling a newborn, which helps with their development. This is also a family affair for Eileen – daughter Amy and sister Colleen also serve as cuddlers along with Eileen.
In addition, Eileen is a past member of the Akron Children’s Palliative Care Advisory Board and served on the committee that oversaw the philanthropic efforts which were part of Bill Considine’s 40th anniversary celebration.
The Hudson High School marching band surprised Eileen with a musical tribute.
The Champion for Children’s award recognizes individuals and organizations who express the spirit of caring and strive to make a difference in the lives of children in our community. We are honored to recognize Eileen’s generous spirit and dedication to the children and families who come to Akron Children’s. She has truly made a difference in the lives of children in our community and continues to do so in loving memory of Pete.
