News & Stories
Paying It Forward With Pennies – CBS Philly
February 12, 2016 – By Stephanie Stahl
CAMDEN, NJ, (CBS) — A New Jersey teen remains grateful and faithful to the hospital that cared for him so many years ago.
Melvin Sheppard’s 11th annual visit to Cooper University Hospital in Camden has special meaning not only for him but also for the staff of the neonatal unit and the mothers there who watch over their premature babies.
Eighteen-year-old Mel wearing an honorary doctor’s crisp white coat is back at Cooper University Hospital wheeling in a donation of pennies.
The load was so heavy that Mel had the pennies loaded on a wheelchair.
He was greeted by many of the people at the neonatal unit who took care of him when he was born nine weeks premature and weighing just two pounds and nine ounces.
Melvin was accompanied by his proud mother and father today.
“Eighteen years later, he’s driving now,” said Melvin Sheppard Senior. “I just can’t believe it.”