An early dose of holiday cheer descended Wednesday on St. Tammany Cancer Center, a campus of Ochsner Medical Center, brightening the holidays of dozens of diagnosed cancer patients and their families.
The annual event welcomed 73 children from 38 families, who were greeted by Santa Claus, the Grinch, and Buddy the Elf and friends before diving into an evening filled with games, crafts and hands-on holiday fun.
A cookie-decorating station kept little hands busy thanks to Winn-Dixie, which donated cookies along with a $500 contribution to the cancer center’s therapeutic food pantry. Gifts were provided for each child by Ruby’s Kids, a nonprofit that has partnered with the cancer center for years for its holiday celebration.
Additional support came from cancer center staff, whose volunteer efforts helped plan and host the event; St. Tammany Health Foundation; Heritage Bank; and the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Organizers say the annual celebration is designed to give patients and their families a moment of joy at a time when they may need it most.
“Cancer affects the whole family, especially during the holidays,” St. Tammany Health Foundation’s Kathleen Thomas said. “If we can bring even a few hours of comfort, laughter and normalcy, that makes all the difference.”
Scroll down for a selection of photos from Wednesday’s event – and merry Christmas to all!