In 2023, Kelly Poplin was elected President of the TWIG Auxiliary of Dayton Children’s. The TWIGs – Terrific Women’s in Giving – have been volunteering and fundraising for the hospital for more than 50 years, and Kelly has been actively involved with TWIG branches since 2003.
When she joined, it seemed like a fun and helpful thing to do, raising money for her local children’s hospital and meeting new like-minded friends. She didn’t know that one day her own child would desperately need care from Dayton Children’s.
“In July 2010, our youngest son, Evan, was in an accident in which a golf cart-like vehicle flipped over and trapped him, crushing his entire right side,” says Kelly.
Evan suffered a broken humerus, tibia, fibula and nose. He was rushed to the Dayton Children’s emergency department. “I will never forget all of the amazing doctors and nurses attending to my baby boy that day in the ER as if he was their own child.”
Evan stayed in the hospital for nine long days, undergoing five surgeries and physical therapy. And with an amazing care team on his side, he made a complete recovery from the ordeal. He even went on to be a competitive gymnast and a third-degree black belt!
For Kelly, that personal connection reinforces why she made the fateful decision to join the TWIGs. “We are grateful every day to the staff at Dayton Children’s, and I am committed to helping other children receive the top-notch care that our son received.”
As the TWIGs work toward a four-year pledge to raise $1 million for pediatric mental health services, Kelly reflects on just how big a difference individuals can make when they work together. Through the annual Sugarplum Festival of Trees, Gem City Jam, Heart in Hand Luncheon, and so many more events, these terrific women are changing the future for kids like Evan.
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