Published by twalro@presspub on Sat, 07/06/2019 - 7:05am
By: Tammy Walro
It was all smiles (even behind hospital masks) as Scott Stapp, former lead singer of Creed, his wife Jaclyn, and the singer’s band members paid a visit to Mercy Health – Children’s Hospital on June 28.
Stapp was in town for a concert at Civic Music Hall in Toledo, on tour to promote his record, “The Space Between the Shadows,” scheduled for release on July 19.
Jeff Ziviski, CFO at Mercy Health – St. Charles Hospital and Mercy St. Anne’s, emailed Jaclyn Stapp in March to invite the couple to visit the children in the hospital when they came to town.
“I have always been a huge fan of Creed and Scott Stapp,” Ziviski said. “And, they both have foundations that are geared toward children, so I figured, ‘what do I have to lose by asking?’”
In May, the couple confirmed they would make a stop at the hospital, and Ziviski coordinated the visit with the help of Sandy Snyder, Mercy Foundation Director and hospital staff members.
Throughout the visit, the entourage visited the patients, offering smiles and fist bumps, along with concert gear and cuddly companions. Stapp and his band also performed a private mini-concert for the kids, parents and staff.
Jaclyn brought copies of her children’s book, “Wacky Jacky: The True Story of an Unlikely Beauty Queen.” “I wanted them to have a book to have when they’re not thinking about their medical issues,” she said. “It’s a story about strength and believing in yourself, and what makes you different makes you special.”
“We just have a heart for kids and families,” Stapp said in an interview with WTOL anchor Kristi Leigh. “You can feel so alone in these situations and we want to let them know they’re not alone.”
In a June 30 Twitter post, Stapp thanked the Mercy Children’s Hospital staff for their hospitality, writing, “Thank you, Mercy Children’s Hospital, all the doctors, nurses and staff. We appreciate your commitment and great passion for caring, healing, and giving hope to the children and their families! YOU ROCK!”
