What: Holiday party for Texas Children’s cancer and hematology patients.
Where: In the festooned lobby of Texas Children's Cancer Center.
The 411: Playing friendly witches each Halloween, besties Cora Sue Mach and Sidney Faust throw a midday Halloween bash for which the cost of admission is an unwrapped toy or two. Come December the ladies drop the witches attire and don Santa's hats as they transport the toys to the hospital for a holiday party and toy giveaway. They were joined in their merriment this year by additional "elves" Elsie Eckert, Pat Ponthier, Carolyn Mann and Judi McGee.
Santa Claus and his Mrs. joined in the merry-making that included a juggler, face painting and a holiday sing-along. There was plenty of child-friendly eats including chicken nuggets, fried mac and cheese, pizza and a load of yummy desserts.
Each child attending the party was able to select a toy, all collected at the Halloween party. After Santa hopped back in his sleigh, the "elves" made rounds on the hospital’s inpatient cancer floor to deliver gifts to patients who were hospitalized during the holiday season and too ill to attend the party.
In all, more than 300 patients received gifts and four iPads were donated to the Child Life Team. Dr. ZoAnn Dreyer, medical director of the Long-Term Survivor Clinic at the cancer center, was on hand to thank the "elves."
Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus brighten the holidays for patients at Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers.
