Polar Express Night

The holidays can be especially hard for those who have lost loved ones. For the families on our floor at Brenners, that loss is their child. Elizabeth's family decided they wanted to do something in her honor this year to love on the families who are admitted for Christmas. Thus was born Polar Express Night. The Kids of Childhood Cancer Foundation eagerly jumped on board. They had made the decision this year to sponsor 6 families in need from the oncology clinic. Having your child diagnosed with cancer is hard enough. When you struggle to make ends meet, heat your home, and have Christmas gifts for your kids things seem even more desperate.

We were so blessed to be a part of this event last week. All the board members and their families came out. We decorated for Christmas and brought some yummy goodies.

We had hot chocolate, cupcakes, cookies, and popcorn to eat while we watched Polar Express.

It was a fun night. We all love any opportunity to be on the floor, especially when it means loving on the families there.

Lilly was such a cuddle bug! She loves to talk, make new friends, and play.  She eagerly climbs up into the arms of anyone who smiles at her. This little one can grab your heart in an instant. We look forward to playing together again soon.

A piece of our hearts will always live on the 9th floor. We want to take every opportunity we can to give back and embrace those coming behind us. It is our privilege.

This is a club no family ever wants to join, but membership is instant, the bonds are immediate, deep, and last forever. As we celebrate Christmas and the blessings of time with our family and friends, joyous celebrations, and the birth of our Savior-a part of our hearts remains with our cancer family.  Cancer does not stop for holidays. The battle rages on.  Many of these families will celebrate in the hospital this year.  For some it is not the first time.  For sweet little Lilly, this is her 2nd (of 3 Christmas') spent here.  For those of us spending the holidays at home, our hearts will be split remembering the many cancer survivors, angels and those warriors still in the fight.

Like our buddy Vinny.  It was such a gift to see him feeling good and having fun with his friends.  He has had such a tough year and the fight continues.  Simple moments like this of two little boys laughing and playing are absolutely priceless and will never be taken for granted.