The Abramson Cancer Center (ACC) at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center supports cancer patients, families, and caregivers throughout the year, but one annual initiative has become a highlight for patients and staff alike: the “Believe in the Magic of Santa” event, organized by Hematology/Oncology social worker Dolan Kneafsey, MSS, and Chris Rotz of the Kathleen M. Rotz Lung Cancer Research Fund.
This year, 18 lung cancer patients facing extreme financial burdens were “adopted” by community donors and had their wish lists fulfilled. One-by-one, patients were guided back to an exam room overflowing with personalized toys, clothing, gift cards, and other presents for their family in an effort to offer some level of relief. It was a special and emotional day for everyone, but one person was missing. Patient Tracy O. was devastated when she realized she couldn’t make it to the distribution, but Kneafsey and Rotz sprung to action and planned to present her with the gifts the day before the official event. For Tracy, who was in desperate need of community support, this truly was magic. In addition to her own diagnosis, which she described as a “really hard experience that keeps getting tougher,” her daughter has special medical needs, and financial stress had prevented them from celebrating the holidays for two years. Earlier this winter, their children’s bikes were stolen — robbing them of their main mode of transport to school and work.
Tracy provided a list of her family’s needs to the ACC, but she never expected that not only would her entire wish list be fulfilled but also that additional gifts would be added — including three bikes! When she arrived at PPMC with her husband and daughter, she was overwhelmed. Rotz recalled her “embracing me for what felt like an eternity with tears of happiness that I will remember forever,” while Kneafsey noted the family was “absolutely floored and so grateful. It was super sweet and uplifting.”
“It was all so amazing, and then I saw the bikes and was just like, ‘seriously?!’ I just wanted to see my family happy, and my kids loved everything. My mom was excited too; she got a new coat and sent me a picture of her in it,” Tracy said. “The donors don’t know us, and the Rotzes don’t even know us — but I met Chris and we just connected because we’ve been through it. I felt like I met someone important, and it’s like we’re all part of a really special family. I just want to get involved someday and help someone the same way.”
Read more about the impact of the “Believe in the Magic of Santa” event in the Presby Bulletin.