The nursing staff at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital are hoping for an invasion of cute, cuddly monkeys – just in time for Christmas!

That’s because I'm trying to provide each child patient who is spending their Christmas at Rainbow a free monkey to brighten their stay. Unfortunately, I may not have enough monkeys to go around.

“Monkey Mayhem” – my initiative to raise enough money for a monkey for each of the 200+ plus Rainbow patients on Christmas day has reached the half-way point – BUT time is running out. I need to place an order with the supplier by Friday to have them in time for Christmas.

Anyone can donate to the cause at www.CLEoTheMonkey.com. (NOTE: This campaign was from 2011. The donation link has been removed.)

Marilyn McGrath, director of the Children’s Miracle Network at Rainbow, is pleased about this cause. “As a UH employee, Mark has come up with these adorable monkeys, which when attached to the child’s IV pole or bed will help take their mind off their stay.”

For more on this story, read the Cleveland.com article.

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The nursing staff at Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital will soon be bracing themselves for an invasion of cute, cuddly mocha monkeys – just in time for Christmas! That's because I've decided to provide each child patient who is spending their Christmas at Rainbow a free monkey to brighten their stay.

My first visit to Rainbow was in the early eighties when I visited a teenager who had Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Her name was Betsy Baker and she was the daughter of the minister who would preside over my wedding. Betsy was a dear friend of my wife and a cherished bridesmaid at our wedding. A few years later, Betsy succumbed to CF.

My other experience with Rainbow occurred when a friend of my oldest daughter – Dara Hosta – was taken there after collapsing in gym class from an unknown cause in ninth grade. Dara passed away six days later at Rainbow. Because of that experience, I became the Founding Sponsor of the Dara Hosta Olmsted Spirit 5K Race/Walk in 2000. The event has raised over $150,000.00 for college scholarships for Olmsted Falls graduates since its inception.

I now pass through the halls at Rainbow each day as I come to work as an Ophthalmic Photographer at University Hospitals. I witness ailing children arriving with their parents and concerned grandparents pacing the floors. It was an easy decision to make Christmas just a little more fun for the special children at Rainbow.

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The  Carnaval parade is most recognized for its spectacular choreographed dancers and scantily clad women. Since 1979, Carnaval has been the main event for thousands of artists who spend hundreds of hours preparing for San Francisco's most colorful parade.

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During the Mocha Monkey's May trip to San Francisco, he met the conductor of one of the city's world famous cable cars. After a little “monkeying around,” the conductor allowed MM to operate the grip handle which propels the cable car.

From MM's brief cable car history lesson, he learned that San Francisco first put them in service in 1873. MM also discovered how these amazing cars actually operate.

What are your favorite places to visit in San Francisco? Please post your “Comments” below.

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The Mocha Monkey was almost stranded overnight in a parking lot near the Golden Gate Bridge during his recent trip to San Francisco.

After meeting his new friend, Stephanie Hernandez from New Mexico (pictured here), MM went to his car to get a late dinner. As he approached the park exit, he realized a gate had been secured across the road. After further inspection, MM noticed a sign stating the lot closed at dusk. Fortunately, he was able to drive around the gate and over an extremely high curb to make his escape. The rental car took a little abuse in the process as it nearly got stuck on the curb.

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The Mocha Monkey met Vlad and Tanya while visiting the Golden Gate Bridge on a recent trip to San Francisco.

They became “fast friends” as they ran along the shoreline together.

Seems like everywhere MM goes, people want to hang out with the little guy!

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Unfortunately, the President didn't know that MM was coming. MM sat outside the White House for two days before giving up.

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Not even the rain could spoil the love and emotion felt by everyone on this special day.

May your marriage be blessed with a lifetime of love.

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The Mocha Monkey found a store offering the most “heavenly” of foods and immediately made himself at home.

Check back often to read about other San Francisco adventures of the Mocha Monkey.

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We then burned a lot of “shoe leather” hiking up-and-down the streets (hills) of San Francisco. I knew the city was built on hills but I never knew how STEEP they were!

Check back often to read about other San Francisco adventures of the Mocha Monkey.

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