Children's 'Marv the Milkman' gets a lifesaving delivery from Shoreline woman

From our NewsPartner, The Seattle Times, a story about Valerie Hoffman, a Shoreline woman who donated a kidney to a co-worker at Children's Hospital.

Marv the Milkman, Seattle Children's beloved dietary associate Marvin Williams who dresses up to make the hospital less frightening for young patients, has received a very special gift — a kidney donated by a co-worker.

By Nancy Bartley, Seattle Times staff reporter

For 14 years, Marv the Milkman has pushed his Moo Mobile through the halls of Seattle Children's hospital, spontaneously mooing in fluent cow, dispensing high-fives and hugs, candy and cookies along with the complex liquid formulas he delivers to patients.

It's Marvin Williams' gift to young patients, who find their stays less frightening when there's a lanky man in a bow tie, spotted apron and cow hat mooing just outside the door.

Williams is more than the dietary associate who brings special drinks. He's a visitor who cheers up the sick and takes kids' minds off being frightened, co-workers say.

"He's the heart and spirit of the hospital," said Cathie Rea, Intensive Care Unit director.

Tom Hoffman, a painter at the hospital who had heard that Williams needed a kidney, saw Williams pushing the Moo Mobile one day and volunteered to donate. But Hoffman did not have the right blood type. But his wife, Valerie, 45, a surgical scheduler at the hospital, turned out to be a match.
The Shoreline couple discussed it and talked it over with their seven children. Everyone concurred: Marv the Milkman would get a renewed life.

The rest of the story and photos here.

What you can do

Donate to the Seattle Children's Uncompensated Care fund. 

Williams cannot receive any balloons, gifts or flowers due to his condition, but both Williams and Hoffman enjoy receiving cards. Children's Hospital, 4800 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle WA 98105.