For Christmas we were able to make up gift bags for 21 children at the Rochester Ronald McDonald house and deliver them Christmas week. 11 girls from newborn to teenager received new holiday pajamas, makeup bags filled with makeup and tiaras. 10 boys from toddler to teenager received new holiday pajamas with superhero masks and stickers. We were only able to deliver to the facility, not personally deliver, but got feedback there were smiles as the gifts were delivered.
The music, Santa, titleholders and other stations really created one of the most peaceful environments we’ve ever been in. Our volunteers and special guests all felt blessed and joyful after the event. The pictures tell a lot of the story. We look forward to this event every year, and even more so now that we’ve got Santa in our back pocket!
The ten year old’s story was so incredible – she not only survived the treatments and cancer battle, but grew and found many talents in the isolated room, and was one of the most positive kids ever, according to her mom. She even passed fourth grade on the A honor roll in the middle of it all. I found out in person just how incredible she is.
What an honor to have one of our facilities reach out to us for a change. The event is an annual event for the neonatal unit in Rochester, for all patients and families from the previous five years. The weather looked like it would be full of rain for days leading up to the event, but not a drop came and the sky was full of sun!
