From Bar To Bedside: Cancer Survivor Brings Toys To Kids At Emergency Room During Holidays

CHICAGO — Children at Swedish Hospital's Emergency Department received an extra dose of holiday cheer Friday as Darin Ortman, a cancer survivor and local community leader, arrived with bags of toys for young patients.

This marks the seventh year Ortman has organized the toy drive to bring smiles to children spending the holidays in the hospital, hospital officials said.

Ortman, a manager at Loafer's Bar, raises funds and collects toy donations through fundraisers hosted at the bar, located at 2600 W. Lawrence Ave. in Chicago's Lincoln Square neighborhood.

His initiative began years ago while he was a nanny to twin boys, according to representatives of Evanston-based hospital operator Endeavor Health.

Now 14 years old, the boys joined Ortman once again to help distribute the toys, continuing their tradition of spreading holiday spirit.

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Ortman plans to return to Swedish Hospital on Christmas Day at noon for another round of gift-giving, ensuring even more young patients experience the magic of the season.

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