At the 2025 Akron Children’s Hospital Holiday Tree Festival, 153 decorated trees are on display. One of these is Ayla Hargett’s tree, titled ‘Rustic Wonderland: A Tree of Warmth and Whimsy.’ She created the tree in memory of her late grandmother. For Ayla, the festival is a family tradition, and this year she participates as a donor to honor her grandmother.
Ayla’s tree is based on her grandmother’s preference for rustic Christmas themes and family traditions. Her grandmother was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2009 and lived for three and a half years after her diagnosis. Ayla says her grandmother’s actions influenced her understanding of hope and resilience.
Inspired by her grandmother, Ayla became involved in community service. She has worked with Stewart’s Caring Place and The James Hospital, organizations that supported her family. As a hairstylist, she started the ‘Spreading Hope’ fundraiser, offering her services to cancer patients…