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St. Jude patient Mabry on the St. Jude campus during he holidays

St. Jude patient Mabry

 

Celebrating Christmas in the hospital

St. Jude patient families share how they spent Christmas at the hospital and ways to brighten the holidays if someone you know is in the hospital too.

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As a first-time mommy, I was so excited about our baby Felicity’s first Christmas. I never imagined we would be in the hospital for it.

Felicity's mom, Mandy

Felicity's four-month checkup led to the discovery of multiple, aggressive tumors in her brain and spine, leading to her family being inpatient at St. Jude Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 

 
 

In the middle of this storm, St. Jude brought Santa Clause into our room.

Kymverly's mom, Cathy

Kymverly was diagnosed with blood cancer in her home of Puerto Rico at one year old. Her family spent two Christmases at St. Jude, one during the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 
St. Jude patient Kymverly in front of a Christmas tree and presents.

St. Jude patient Kymverly

 
 

Take it from me: the most important thing is being together.

Mack's mom, Amanda

Mack arrived at St. Jude on Christmas Eve after being diagnosed with bone cancer at five years old. That Christmas morning was their first of many at St. Jude

 
 
 
 

10 ways to brighten the holidays in the hospital, from St. Jude families

 
 

1. Bring in string lights or candles with batteries to give your room a cozy glow.

 
 

 

2. Decorate with special items from home to make the hospital room feel more familiar.

St. Jude patient Tayde's drawing of a ballerina and a nutcracker.

Artwork by St. Jude patient Tayde

 
 

 

3. Share homemade holiday treats together for a yummy addition to meals.

St. Jude patient Tyler's drawing of a gingerbread man.

Artwork by St. Jude patient Tyler

 
 

 

4. Wrap presents with bows and set them all around to make the room feel festive. 

St. Jude patient Sydney's drawing of a Christmas tree, fireplace and wrapped presents.

Artwork by St. Jude patient Sydney

 
 

 

5. Dress up as Santa Clause, Mrs. Clause or an elf, and put a smile on everyone's face.

St. Jude patient Jamarion's drawing of Santa.

Artwork by St. Jude patient Jamarion

 
 

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6. Make paper snowflakes or a garland chain to hang in the window for a fun activity to pass the time.

St. Jude patient Sydney's drawing of snowflakes.

Artwork by St. Jude patient Sydney

 
 

 

7. Offer a new surprise everyday with stockings filled with small gifts or candy.

 
 

 

8. Sing your favorite songs together to karaoke music with printed off lyrics. 

St Jude patient Karina's abstact musical drawing.

Artwork by St. Jude patient Karina

 
 

 

9. Bring in holiday movies to watch together — with popcorn!

St. Jude patient Reid's drawing of a box of popcorn.

Artwork by St. Jude patient Reid

 
 

 

10. Most importantly, "Don't give up! Keep going!"

- St. Jude patient Felicity's mom

 
 
 
 
St. Jude patient Azalea in front of a Christmas tree.

St. Jude patient Azalea

 

Your donation helps kids like Azalea.
Happy holidays, from St. Jude.

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