A big THANK YOU to everyone that donated to the Christmas Families fundraiser! This year we brightened up the lives of three families and helped make this holiday season a joyous one despite of some very difficult circumstances. The families were brought to tears when their gifts were delivered. Here are the families that we helped and their stories:

In May of 2019, Max was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia just after he turned 2 years old. He is currently in the middle of his treatment plan. Due to the current pandemic, the family has been negatively impacted financially, lost jobs, and have had to spend long weeks away from the family. Christmas has been a hard thought for them and the family is so grateful to hopefully feel a little “normal” on Christmas morning as a family.

Jorge and Susan’s son, Ray recently relapsed in the middle of the pandemic. Their world turned upside down when they thought they were moving on from the cancer. They have been severely impacted by COVID financially. Treatment is expensive and their funds are even tighter as they continue to fight for Ray. Susan wasn’t even sure what to add to the “wish list” as the thought of Christmas made her sad since she wouldn’t be able to do much this year. The boys were so excited they were able to open one present early before Christmas!

Cassidy was born with down syndrome and at only 18 months was diagnosed with Acute Meloid Leukemia. The dad works and keeps the older girls and household going while the mom and Cassidy are inpatient at CHOC for 3-4 weeks at a time while she undergoes chemo. There is a lot of separation from family right now due to the pandemic. With being a single income family, expenses of hospital travel, meals, and private schooling/child care are adding up. 

The family received great news two days before Christmas that Cassidy’s counts were finally high enough to be able to come home in time for Christmas after 26 straight days in the hospital!