Children with Cancer Christmas Foundation Event

We had no idea what to expect the last couple of nights, but we where completely in shock and amazed by what happened. To explain...back near the beginning of November. We got a comment from a woman named Alyson Calaway on Brynlee's Blog. She said that she was given information about us from my cousin Lance Smith. She told us that she volunteers for the organization called Children with Cancer Christmas Foundation. She said that someone would be in touch soon to give us more information. A few weeks ago, we got a card in the mail from them inviting us to participate with their Christmas event. Jen called and talked to them and was told what to expect. Here is what happened. On Tuesday, we went to Lavell Edwards Stadium, to a multi purpose room there. Each child received 1 large gift, and 2 small gifts, as well as several other items, that Santa does not want disclosed at this time. My expectations were far exceeded, by what we received, I didn't think that we were going to get anything to great, but when we were told to pick the gifts for our children, I was amazed. What I expected was not even comparable to what they labeled as the "small gifts" let alone the "large items" which were truly significant. After spending a couple of hours choosing presents for our kids, we loaded up our stuff and headed home. The next night we returned with kids for the Christmas party. The BYU Basketball team was there helping run the games for the kids, and signing autographs. Cosmo the mascot was also going around meeting everyone.

Kenzie playing the snowball toss game.

Brynlee playing snowball toss.

We were overwhelmed by everything that was going on. Another family started to talk to us and told us what else was going on. Each kid got to go into "Santa's Workshop" and choose a toy to take home with them.

Bryn couldn't decide between one big doll, or 2 smaller
twin dolls, eventually she picked that later.

They had a pizza dinner for us, and then a magic show by Zane Grey, who just happens to be friends with Mariah, and we used to be in his family's ward. The kids got lots of prizes from the games and they got to do some Christmas crafts. At the end of the night they had one of the board members speak to everyone. He was emotional, as he told everyone that because of what these kids had been through they want to give them some joy and happiness. He said several times, this is for the kids, tonight is for the kids. We were given a bag with a extra large teddy bear sticking out the top of it, as we got ready to leave. Inside were a couple of wrapped gifts, and as Jen went to get ours, the lady asked our name. When Jen told her she said, "Your family is new, so we added a couple more gifts." They then handed us a large turkey. I was so overwhelmed by everything. I went up to the board member that had talked to us and thanked him, he grabbed my hand and shook it and wouldn't let go, as he spoke to our girls. At the door Coach Rose, BYU basketball coach, was thanking everyone for coming. I thanked him for everything, and he just patted me on the back and again thanked me for coming. They made if feel like we were doing them a favor, not the other way around. I absolutely couldn't believe it. As we were walking to the car, one of the basketball players passed Garrett, and said "Good night, Garrett" and gave him a high five. It was an incredible night, I still can't believe happened. So much has been done for our family for our Christmas, I am so thankful to all of you for making this Christmas so special for our family.

Brynlee at the Christmas Party