For many people, “December” is synonymous with joy. But for those fighting cancer during the holiday season, joy can be hard to come by. Thanks to our incredible community, CURE was able to add a measure of joy in many unique and heartwarming ways.
It started with holiday parties in early December. In Atlanta, more than 100 volunteers gathered at The Atlanta Event Center and welcomed 113 families to the festivities. There were games, gingerbread houses, crafts, holiday treats, and, of course, Santa stopped by to say hello. Between the patients, survivors, siblings, and parents, nearly 500 people were treated to a very special day.
“Thank you for putting a smile on my son’s face at the Holiday Party. He’s had a rough few months, but he really enjoyed today.”
Santa hopped on his trusty sleigh and hustled to Victory North in Savannah where he spent time with 37 South Georgia families. 176 guests enjoyed crafts, face-painting, treats, video games, and more. It was a joyful afternoon, as one volunteer remarked:
“I don’t think I have ever had as much fun and witnessed such joy as I did that afternoon. I loved that so many people were there, and it seemed that everyone could forget their worries for a few hours and just enjoy.”
Your generosity also allowed us to serve more than 1000 meals to patients and their families during December, including a very special traditional Christmas meal at both campuses of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Just consider the boost that a plate full of turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce gave families forced to be in the hospital instead of home for the holidays.
Donors supplied us with stockings, ornaments, pajamas, and blankets which we delivered, giving an extra nudge of encouragement.
Imagine being a parent dealing with the high cost of treatment during the holidays. With the unplanned expenses, there may not be enough to provide Christmas or Hanukkah gifts for your family. That’s where our donors really stepped up and became Holiday Angels. You took their wish lists and filled them all. In fact, there were so many gifts that we had trouble fitting the bounty in our office. Altogether, donors provided gifts for 104 families. Between our little cancer fighters and their siblings, 300 children experienced holiday joy when they opened their gifts.
The words of two families sum up the gratitude of all.
“Thank you to CURE Childhood Cancer! Today we went to their office after my child’s radiation appointment and I picked up gifts for my kids that had been gifted to us for Christmas. I am so excited to see their faces once they open up their Christmas gifts!”
“Thank you so much for your generosity. You have helped make a difficult situation a little brighter for not only my child battling cancer, but our entire family. Our hearts are overwhelmed with gratitude! May your Christmas be filled with many blessings.”
None of this would have been possible without you. Thank you for allowing us to spread holiday joy to children and families who desperately needed it.
