Indiana Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman said this visit was her 26th to Fort Wayne and second to Sweetwater Sound, but called it one of the most important.

Skillman spoke to 200 Riley Hospital for Children families, donors, physicians and other supporters from northeast Indiana at a luncheon on Thursday afternoon at Sweetwater Sound. She called the hospital one of the state's top resources and praised it for the national recognition it receives.

“Riley is a beacon of hope,” she said.

Skillman encouraged donors and supporters to continue their patronage of the Riley Children's Foundation as the economy appears to be slowly recovering from recession.

“Fundraising is different in these times,” Skillman said. “It's not that Hoosiers won't give, but they need to be told what their money does.”

The foundation supports the Indianapolis hospital, the state's only comprehensive facility dedicated exclusively to the care of children. Over 5,500 patient visits take place at the hospital from northeast Indiana children.

Sarah and Jodi Camino, Riley patients from Fort Wayne, delivered a prayer before the lunch. Angie Sweet, mother of Aleigha, spoke about their experience with the hospital and Aleigha's rare form of lung and soft tissue cancer, which is now gone.

“Today, I want to thank you – the physicians, the foundation, the supporters,” Angie Sweet said. “With you, many more moms and dads will have their miracle, too.”

Riley Hospital President and CEO Dan Fink lauded northeast Indiana.

“The display of support up here is incredibly moving,” he said before introducing Skillman. “It's just phenomenal.”

Deputy Mayor Greg Purcell represented the city and spoke briefly to the audience.