Rotarian McGregor Goes "Over the Edge" for Hattie Larlham
Pictured below are Shawn Lyden, left, Executive Vice President and Robert McGregor, MD is the Chief Medical Officer at Akron Children’s after their descent from the PNC Center Building.
These two members of Akron Children’s leadership team channeled Spiderman in September as they rappelled down 22 stories of the PNC Center in downtown Akron – all for a good cause.
Shawn Lyden, executive vice president, and Dr. Rob McGregor, chief medical officer, went “Over the Edge” for the Hattie Larlham Center for Children with Disabilities, an organization Akron Children’s has worked closely with in providing care for many patients over the years.
Lyden and Dr. McGregor were among 71 participants who accepted the challenge and helped raise an estimated $110,000 for Hattie Larlham.
“This was a new fundraising event for us,” said Phylliss Steiner, a spokesperson for Hattie Larlham. “We have done golf outings and galas, but this was about stepping out of our realm and taking a risk and that is something every single person we serve does every day.”
Lyden and Dr. McGregor both believe their first step will be the most difficult, but are excited about the positive energy surrounding the event and representing Akron Children’s at a worthy cause.
“Any time we can combine exercise and benefits for needy children and young adults is a win-win,” Dr. McGregor said. “You have to put yourself out there to benefit others! Northeast Ohio rocks. It’s the most philanthropic area I have ever experienced.”
As far as their training, both said they rappelled down a small indoor climbing wall a few weeks ago. “I really don’t think it will help,” joked Lyden.
Lyden noted that it says a lot about the important work of Hattie Larlham that has inspired him and so many others to step out of their comfort zones.
“It’s a wonderful organization doing amazing work,” said Lyden.
When asked if he has any relevant experience rock climbing or taking on other daring pursuits, Lyden replied, “I’m educated and trained as a lawyer. Lawyers are not daring people! I went rock climbing once in college. This shows you how much I believe in the mission of Hattie.”
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