AKRON, Ohio — For many, it's a highlight of the holidays — a beautifully decorated Christmas tree.

• All items on display are donated by local businesses, groups and individuals, and are available to purchase
• The sale of the trees and wreaths benefits Akron Children's Hospital
• The festival is held at the John S. Knight Center in downtown Akron and admission is free

“This is just a family tradition for a lot of people who come here," said Mary Leuca, chairperson, Holiday Tree Festival.

Every year, 70,000 people visit the annual Holiday Tree Festival in Akron.

There are 160 decorated trees —all donated by the community — to raise money for Akron Children's Hospital.

"I just thought, wow, what a way to give back to the hospital in a small way for all that they've done for us," said Carlla Detwiler, mother of patient at Akron Children’s Hospital.

From Barbie trees, to the Grinch, and even trains —there's a story behind each one.

Carlla Detwiler is a mother of four. She welcomed David Matthew into the world 8 months ago, at 4 pounds,15 ounces.

"We were told the day we found out about his diagnosis that he wouldn't make it," said Detwiler.

At Detwiler’s 20-week ultrasound, doctor's discovered David was missing a kidney. The one he had was non-functioning.

Without his kidneys, he can't produce amniotic fluid. Doctor's said he had a small chance of surviving.

"Termination was just not at option for us, I would have rather had a few minutes with him after being born than none at all," said Detwiler.

Detwiler and her husband opted for Amnioinfusion — a process to inject fluid into the amniotic cavity.

"We didn't know if the amnioinfusions would work, it's a very low success rate, it's a very new procedure, only about 3 percent of the kids actually still make it after the amnioinfusion process," said Detwiler.

8 months later, David is on dialysis 12 hours a day, and he's blind.

Big challenges — but a miracle baby nonetheless.

"He wasn't supposed to be here, I'm sorry I'm getting emotional, yeah that's how we do, I mean every day he's a miracle for us, so we have to stay optimistic for him," said Detwiler.

Detwiler and her family have a lot to be thankful for this year.

And they're heading into the holiday season filled with light and a railroad of hope.

"If it wasn't for these doctors, he wouldn't be here… they fought along with us to keep him here and keep him strong and healthy, so we're so thankful this year,” said Detwiler.

The Tree Festival goes until Sunday evning. It's held at the John S. Knight Center in downtown Akron and admission is free.