Christmas Gift

Camille was admitted to the emergency room on Monday, December 22nd, after suffering from a partial small bowel obstruction. Fortunately, this episode was resolved with medical management rather than surgical intervention.

Camille spent Christmas morning at UCLA Hospital and learned that Santa found her, even though she was not at home! She received visits from old friends, including favorite nurses, doctors and care partners who have taken care of her during her hospital stays over the past several years. The hospital was filled with Christmas spirit, made possible, in large part, by the generosity of Mattel, the benefactor of UCLA Children’s Hospital. Each child received wonderful holiday presents, delivered by the Child Life staff and volunteers. And much to Camille’s surprise, the Beverly Hills Fire Fighters from Station 1 made their rounds on Christmas morning, bringing even more holiday cheer and gifts for the little ones.

After attending Christmas Mass at the hospital, Camille finally made it home in the afternoon. There, she found more gifts from Santa, much to her delight.

After all the challenges of the week, Christmas was all that it should be - special time with family, good friends old and new, and the magic of Christmas day.