People come into our lives and make an unforgettable difference. Summa Foundation is here to help you honor a friend, memorialize a relative, or recognize a caregiver through a meaningful gift to Summa Health. Through your contribution, you will make an unforgettable difference in the lives of our patients.
Your contribution is tax-deductible and can be designated to the area with the greatest need or to a department that you hold close to your heart. We will send a personalized letter to the honoree or honoree’s family about your caring gift while keeping the amount confidential.
How to make a gift in honor or memory
Choose the option from the selections below. Please be sure to tell us whether the gift is "in honor of" or "in memory of" and include the individual’s name.
- Give easily online with a credit card.
- Give by phone with a credit card by calling the Summa Foundation at 330.375.3159.
- Give by mail by sending a check to:
Summa Foundation
141 N. Forge Street
Akron, OH 44304
Suggested obituary language
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a contribution in memory of (name of deceased) be sent to Summa Health:
Summa Foundation
141 N. Forge Street
Akron, OH 44304
If you would like memorial gifts for your family member designated to a specific area or program, please contact us at 330.375.3159 or foundation@summahealth.org.
Palliative Care Tribute Wall
Paying tribute to loved ones: Summa Health’s Acute Palliative Care Unit offers meaningful opportunities to memorialize or honor your loved one that also support the vital programs and services that make a difference in our community. For gifts of $500 or more, the Palliative Care Tribute Wall features personalized tile plaques dedicated in memory or in honor of a loved one.
Gifts will be used for therapies such as massage, art and music to nurture and soothe the mind and spirit and support enhancements that create a comforting and comfortable environment for patients and their families.
To purchase a tile for the Palliative Care Tribute Wall, please contact us at 330.375.3159 or foundation@summahealth.org.
“The Ripple Effect,” by Bonnie Cohen: When a single element touches a pool of water, a ripple occurs and its effect spreads across the water in all directions. Like the effect of each and every donation and like the effect of each kind gesture or word, a whole world can change from the actions of a single person. The reflection of a graceful tree in a pool of water complements the natural theme of the Acute Palliative Care Unit. The donor plaques, the handmade ceramic tiles, and glass mosaic come together to form the image of a graceful tree spreading softly across the entire wall. It draws the observer closer to touch and discover hidden treasures: pressed leaves, organic textures, luminous colors and words of inspiration embedded in the clay tiles. The donor recognition wall allows each individual to be honored for their actions and at the same time, to be an inspiration to others, by becoming part of a peaceful, serene wall of visual and spiritual gifts.
Tribute Bench Program
The Tribute Bench program gives individuals and groups a unique and meaningful opportunity to memorialize a bench in honor of a loved one with a $2,500 gift. Memorial plaques are inset on the bench with the honoree’s name.
Available benches are located in the Summa Health Serenity Garden on the Summa Health System — Akron Campus. This garden, which features artwork, flowers, shrubs and small trees, offers a quiet place to reflect and relax, remember loved ones and know you have made a difference for Summa patients.
To purchase a tribute bench at the Serenity Garden, please contact us at 330.375.3159 or foundation@summahealth.org.
Honor Your Caregiver
Honor your caregiver — a physician, nurse, therapist, staff member or volunteer— who has touched your life in a meaningful way by making a gift to Summa Health in his or her honor. You also can include a personal note that will be sent to your honoree, expressing your appreciation, with the gift amount remaining confidential. Your gift will help other patients in our community receive the same compassionate care you experienced.
Ways to give
- Give easily online with a credit card.
- Give by phone with a credit card by calling the Summa Foundation at 330.375.3159.
- Give by mail by sending a check to:
Summa Foundation
141 N. Forge Street
Akron, OH 44304