Santa brings holiday magic to kids battling cancer at Brandon's 1Voice Academy
Spreading Christmas cheer to kids with cancer
FOX 13's Evyn Moon reports that Santa and Mrs. Claus made a memorable visit to kids at 1Voice Academy in Brandon, the only school in the United States exclusively for children undergoing cancer treatment, bringing them gifts and attempting to spread joy to them and their families this holiday season.
BRANDON, Fla. - The holiday season became extra special for children battling pediatric cancer in the Tampa Bay area, thanks to the 1Voice Foundation.
On Tuesday evening in Brandon, Santa and Mrs. Claus made a memorable visit to the only school in the United States exclusively for children undergoing cancer treatment, bringing joy and gifts to dozens of children.
A student at 1Voice Academy is greeted by Santa and Mrs. Claus.
"They miss a lot of school when they're on treatment, of course. And then with the hurricanes and everything else, it's been a very challenging school year," said Mary Ann Massolio, the director at the 1Voice Academy.
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"But they come every week, and tonight we're just celebrating. We're celebrating all A’s that the children are getting or celebrating the bond they have with their mentors and their tutors," Massolio said. "It’s just happy holidays."
The holiday event was filled with fun activities like dinner, crafts, cookie decorating and special gift-giving.
Students of the 1Voice Academy sit and enjoy dinner and activities with their families before the holidays.
"It is so joyful," Massolio said. "They come running in here, and they see their name on the stocking, and they say, ‘How did he know I wanted that?’ It’s just a magical evening. It truly is."
Santa Claus himself also spoke about the importance of the evening.
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"Tonight’s a very special night for me, because I get to meet with my very, very special friends here at the 1Voice Foundation, whom I love very much," he shared.
"It’s very warming to my heart that we’re able to be here, and it’s something very important."
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