A San Antonio bank president marked International Day of Awesomeness by donating hundreds of teddy bears to children at a local hospital.
SAN ANTONIO — International Day of Awesomeness brought plenty of smiles to young patients at a San Antonio hospital this week.
At Baptist Children’s Hospital at North Central Baptist, hospitalized children received hundreds of teddy bears thanks to a donation from local business leader Manny Ruiz.
Ruiz, the market president of American Bank in San Antonio, collected plush teddy bears of all shapes and sizes to give to young patients as part of International Day of Awesomeness on March 10. Nurses and hospital staff helped hand out the stuffed animals to brighten the children’s day and spread positivity.
The effort is especially meaningful for Ruiz, who nearly lost his life to COVID-19 during the pandemic.
In late 2020, Ruiz was diagnosed with COVID-19 and double pneumonia and spent days on a ventilator while receiving treatment at a Baptist Health System hospital. He was later placed on ECMO at a Methodist Healthcare System facility as doctors worked to save his life.
“I am blessed that I survived and can be here for my family and others,” Ruiz said.
Ruiz said the experience changed his perspective and inspired him to give back to hospitals and first responders who helped people during the pandemic.
Along with the teddy bears donated to the children’s hospital, Ruiz also shared stuffed animals with the San Antonio Police Department and the San Antonio Fire Department so first responders can give them to children during emergencies.
Ruiz said International Day of Awesomeness is the perfect reminder to celebrate kindness and do something positive for others — especially for kids facing tough days in the hospital. 🧸💙