Atwater organizations help children with cancer celebrate Christmas

Atwater residents and organizations came together this weekend to help make the holiday season extra special for local children battling cancer.

Knights of Columbus, Catholic Daughters of America and the Relay for Life of Atwater held the annual Christmas party for kids with cancer on Saturday afternoon at St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church, with more than 60 families in attendance.

Maria Williams, one of the organizers of the Christmas party, said childhood cancer patients and survivors, as well as their siblings, each received a gift from Santa. A traditional holiday meal, music, and arts and crafts were also available for them.

“Their eyes light up when they see Santa come in; they’re so excited that Santa is paying attention to them,” Williams said.

The intention of the party, Williams explained, is to bring together families who are going through similar situations.

“Many times, these children and families don’t know anyone else who is going through or has gone through the same journey of struggle as they have,” she said.

Williams, a cancer survivor whose son also battled cancer, recognizes the need to have support from other families who understand what it’s like caring for a child with cancer. “When they are around other patients and survivors, they feel more comfortable,” she said.

She also noted that for many of the children in attendance, this is the only Christmas gift they will receive this season. Because of medical expenses brought on by the disease, some families cannot afford extra expenses.

The community event is a two-decades-long tradition that has been made possible through donations and word of mouth. Williams explained that most donations are made by Atwater residents and friends of the organizers.

Ted Torres, event lead for the Relay for Life of Atwater, has seen the event grow throughout the years. “It’s a really great event designed to show appreciation to the families of children who are fighting cancer or have had cancer,” Torres said. “It’s just one way for us to say, ‘Hey, it’s Christmastime, come have a nice time and enjoy a free meal.’

Anyone interested in donating or getting involved with next year’s Christmas party should contact Williams at riawilliams@sbcglobal.net or fellow organizer Kathy Flaherty at Kflaherty79@yahoo.com.

This story was originally published December 8, 2014 at 6:40 PM with the headline "Atwater organizations help children with cancer celebrate Christmas."