Fifty-dollar gift cards to a popular toy store highlighted the 5th annual Hematology-Oncology holiday party at Antone’s Banquet Centre in Boardman.
“Their eyes were so wide with excitement. They weren’t expecting that,” said Shari Harmon, clinical coordinator for Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley. “It’s so heartwarming how different community organizations reach out to these kids and their families, some of whom can’t afford a lot at Christmas.
“This event is a time for families to get together, celebrate the season and relax for a night and not worry about getting treatments.”
Sponsored by Project Ed Bear and Making Kids Count, 26 patient families attended the event.
The Toys R Us gift cards were a surprise gift from a new donor, who also presented each family with a holiday ornament.
“The Mercy Health Police Department wanted to do something special for us,” Shari said. “They reached out and asked what we can use.”
Jacob Sypert, 12, has special plans for his gift card, and in the true spirit of the season they don’t involve himself.
“We went to Toys R Us the next morning after his doctor’s appointment in Boardman, and after looking around at different things he decided he wanted to use his gift card to buy his brother a Christmas present,” his mother, Joy Sypert, said. “It just melted my heart.”
Children also enjoyed dancing to holiday music played by a DJ, a photo booth, craft stations, face painting and a chance to visit with Santa Claus.
Each family received a cake, a box of Christmas cards and a professional family portrait.
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