Sarah Schueler (left) and her sister, Jane (right), are the third generation in their family to be presented at Akron Children’s Charity Ball.
When Sarah Schueler recently came across a Polaroid of her mom trying on the dress she wore in 1988 to Akron Children’s Charity Ball, she knew she wanted to recreate it to commemorate her experience as a 2025 honoree.
“I wanted to take my own photo, so we could have a twinning picture,” said Sarah. “It makes Charity Ball feel like more than just 1 moment in my life but a shared moment in both of our lives that connects us.”
Stepping into a family tradition
Long before Sarah – or her sister Jane – could walk, Akron Children’s was already part of their family’s life. Their grandfather, the late Duane Isham, served a long tenure on the hospital’s board of directors. Their mother, Laurie, dedicated 2 decades of her career to Akron Children’s. As former patients themselves, Jane and Sarah have grown up knowing Akron Children’s is a special place.
Jane (left) and Sarah (right) decided to recreate a Polaroid they found of their mom (middle) trying on her Charity Ball dress in 1988.
Now, that lifelong connection comes full circle as they prepare to take the stage at Akron Children’s Charity Ball on Dec. 27. For 122 years, Charity Ball has celebrated young women who demonstrate leadership and service in the community. Following in their mother’s and grandmothers’ footsteps, the sisters are continuing a tradition that celebrates both their family’s history and a commitment to giving back.
“Being presented feels like being part of something much bigger than myself,” Sarah said.
Jane said her bond with Akron Children’s is strengthened by her grandfather’s lasting influence, even after his death in 2021.
“I know he would be excited about us participating in this important fundraiser and helping to bring attention and support to a cause that mattered to him,” she said.
The girls spent a lot of time at the hospital throughout their lives. They are both former patients and their mom, Laurie, was a hospital employee for over 20 years.
From patients to honorees
Before transitioning to adult care, both girls were longtime Akron Children’s patients.
“Jane started speech therapy at age 2 and later received care through the NeuroDevelopmental Science Center,” said Laurie. “Dr. Jessica Foster helped her thrive while navigating a learning disability and ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder).”
A 2025 Firestone High School graduate, Jane volunteers weekly at Victory Gallop, swims with Firestone’s club team and remains active in Girl Scouts. While in high school, she supported Akron Children’s through Firestone’s Kids Helping Kids Swim Marathon.
Sarah’s hands are featured in a photo installation in the Kay Jewelers Pavilion.
Like her sister, Sarah also received care at the hospital. But her connection goes far beyond her own experience as a patient.
“For the past 4 years, I’ve participated in Firestone’s annual swim marathon benefiting Akron Children’s,” she said. “I’ve been part of a legacy of donations totaling over $320,000. That experience helped me understand the impact of community support and strengthened my connection to the hospital’s mission.”
Sarah has also appeared in Akron Children’s marketing campaigns and is featured in a large photo installation in the Kay Jewelers Pavilion.
“Seeing that image every time I walk through Akron Children’s has made the hospital feel even more personal,” Sarah said.
Service above self
As members of Firestone High School’s swim team, the sisters helped raise money for the hospital by participating in the school’s Kids Helping Kids Swim Marathon.
In preparation for Charity Ball, both Jane and Sarah participated in a service project making blankets through Project Linus.
“I always appreciated getting nice things when I had to visit the hospital,” Jane said. “It felt good to make that happen for other kids.”
“Knowing that something we made would bring comfort to a child during a difficult time made the project especially rewarding,” Sarah said. “I got to meet and work alongside some of the other girls while doing it – reinforcing how Charity Ball brings people together around a shared purpose.”
“It’s a really nice group of young women,” Jane added. “And it’s especially wonderful to go through this process with my sister.”
Carrying on their mother’s legacy
Laurie (Isham) Schueler dancing with her dad, Duane Isham, at the hospital’s 1988 Charity Ball.
Although it’s been 37 years since she was presented, Laurie recalls the evening being magical.
“Coming home from my first semester at Miami University, it was great to reunite with friends and family to support the hospital,” she said. “Dancing with my dad during the presentation will always be a favorite memory for me.”
Laurie’s mother, Joan (Freitag) Isham, and her twin sister, Jean (Freitag) Mathias, were presented in 1953, which coincidentally was also the first year they announced the honoree’s names. Her husband Hank’s mother, Karen (Kooistra) Callahan, was presented in 1957.
Now, Laurie is looking forward to watching her daughters grace the Charity Ball stage.
“I want them to notice all the people in the room who have committed to supporting others in need,” Laurie said. “Their grandparents and great-grandparents were once in that room, too. I want them to see that, together, we can make a difference.”
The girls practicing their dance with their dad, Hank.
While the venues and fashions have changed since 1988, Laurie said the heart of Charity Ball remains the same.
“The commitment to help families with hospitalized children has never changed,” she said. “Akron Children’s was created by a group of dedicated women who came together to meet a need in the community. Charity Ball is the perfect opportunity to instill the value of community service in tomorrow’s leaders.”
A father’s perspective
For Sarah and Jane’s dad, Hank, the evening is bittersweet.
“I wish they wouldn’t grow up so fast,” he said. “It’s going to be fantastic to have my family all together to celebrate this milestone.”
Jane and Sarah pictured with their mom at the hospital’s annual Fire Truck Day.
With 2 daughters to present and only 1 him, Hank enlisted the help of his brother Kurt to make the dances work.
“A waltzing trio can’t be pretty,” he joked.
The family is even taking dance lessons to brush up on their skills. But more than choreography, Hank is looking forward to showing his daughters how Akron families embrace community service.
“It will be terrific for the girls to see that they’re part of something bigger,” he said.
Beyond the ball
As Jane and Sarah prepare to take the stage on Dec. 27, their parents have taught them that their commitment to service extends well beyond the final dance.
“Giving back to the community is a value instilled by your parents and grandparents,” said Laurie. “I wish my dad was able to attend the ball. I know he would be proud of all these young ladies who are ready to step up, pitch in and help make the world a better place.”
