To all the wonderful listeners of WTAQ:

On behalf of the Families of Children with Cancer, I would like to extend a very warm thank you to each and everyone of you for making our Christmas party the best ever!

The gifts this year were outstanding. The movie gift cards were spectacular. Over 70 families which included over 150 kids left the party feeling very blessed. Blessed from the generosity of each and every one of you!

The Christmas party is THE social event of the year for our group. It is a day that families can attend and just enjoy the day as a family. As the day progresses you can see the excitement building. The kids know the grand finale is Santa with a gift just for them. All of the kids sit patiently by Santa's feet and wait until their name is called. When their name is called, they actually jump and RUN to his lap - even some of the teenagers do! At that moment, they are not a child who has cancer or a child who is bald, they are not a sibling whose sister or brother has cancer, they are just normal happy, happy kids. Blood draws, pokes, chemo, radiation, spinal taps, doctors, nurses are the furthest things from their mind.   They are happy and that is what makes this day so special.

We all like to think that we make a difference in someone's life, to make the world a better place, to have someone breathe a little bit easier because of something that we have done for another person and I would like you all to know that you have accomplished that.

I would like to share two stories with you from that day.  As one of our families was leaving that day, all of the kids came up to me to thank me for their awesome day.  The kids were very excited and happy. They had the biggest, sweetest, happiest smiles on their faces that you can imagine.  I asked them if they liked their gifts, they told me "We are waiting to open our presents until Christmas morning".  They did not look sad that they had to wait until Christmas to open their presents while all the other kids at the party had already opened theirs...only happy and excited in the anticipation of opening these gifts on Christmas.  At that point, I looked at the parents and their smiles showed me how grateful they were.  I realized that this might be the only gifts these kids received at Christmas.  It was very touching.  I couldn't help but think at that moment that I wished all of you could see the difference you made in this family's life and made their Christmas one that the kids will always remember. I know the parents were breathing a little bit easier knowing their kids would have gifts on Christmas.

Another family who attended the party also had a day full of memories.  The family portrait, the meal, the entertainment and the great gifts.  On that day, the health of their daughter seemed good with the thought of having her for many Christmases to come.  Unfortunately, a few short weeks later they found out their daughter had relapsed with a very poor prognosis.  Once again, this day took on a new meaning and will now be a wonderful memory for them.  All of you made a difference for this family. You helped give them a day full of memories and a day full of fun.

In closing, I would like to say simply but sincerely...Thank you!

To hope and strength,

Kathy Toonen

Families of Children with Cancer, Inc.