COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Spreading a little holiday cheer to those in the midst of a battle with cancer was the goal behind an act of service at The James Cancer Hospital at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
Many of the event’s volunteers have a close tie to cancer, with some having beat the disease.
NBC4 was there as several survivors dressed as Santa and Mrs. Claus, walking the floors and visiting patients at the James.
It was a chance for patients to receive a warm visit from Santa and some friendly elves.
Many shared where they were in their cancer journey and many appreciated that their visitor understood and supported them in their cancer journey.
“Well people say, ‘Why do you volunteer? You’re not getting paid for it,’” volunteer Linda Furrow said. “I’m like, ‘But I am getting paid. I’m getting paid with something that means a lot more than money.’”
While not every visitor was up for a visit or even medically cleared for one, the interactions that did occur truly touched the hearts of everyone involved.
“Happiness from them, it’s just a sense of joy for them to have Santa Claus coming in to see them.”
For the first time, this project was also extended to the patients of the Ross Heart Hospital. In all 500 patients were impacted by the visits.
