WTOC, Savannah, Georgia, news, weather and sports | Christmas Wishes Granted at Backus Children's Hospital

Christmas Wishes Granted at Backus Children's Hospital

SAVANNAH, GA--For 20-month-old Trey Singletary, Christmas came a little early this year as his mom Jennifer was handed a gift card for $700 plus toys and much more. Jennifer cries as she is handed the precious envelope that will help them have a joyful season.

Trey is decked out in his Santa gear, complete with a hat, but is still a little too young to understand the reason behind his mom's tears of joy. He was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma two months ago, just a day after his baby sister was born. Celebrating the holidays was the last thing on Jennifer's mind. "It's very, very hard. Because we just had another young one, and we're trying to start a family," she starts to cry.

But Jennifer and ten other families at the Backus Children's hospital, will have a very special Christmas thanks to Mark Robertson at 98.7 The River.

All the gifts were donated through 98.7 The River's Christmas Wish program. The radio station teams up with the Backus Children's Hospital to help families dealing with loved ones that have cancer. "We had families that were adopted by Great Dane and the Garden City Police Department, Menzana Landscaping and Off Island Thrift. It was just amazing," exclaimed program director Mark Robertson.

They raised over $30,000 helping a total of 26 families. From toys, to appliances, to gift cards, these families needs are all taken care of this holiday season.

For Daphne Madras and her family, the news was overwhelming. Her 3-year-old son Blake has been battling Leukemia for over two years. Her husband is deployed to Iraq and finances have been tight.

"We're still paying off our school bills," Blake's mom Daphne exclaimed as she started to cry. Her mom, Linda Hopkins, gently pats her hand. "It's okay. It's hard. We were debating on how we were going to have Christmas dinner," she said. "But I knew God would take care of us. He hasn't failed us yet."

Now Christmas dinner and whatever else they need is taken care of. The true meaning of the season is giving them some unexpected joy to warm their hearts.

When asked how Christmas was going to be this year, Daphne answered, "It's going to be the best one yet!"

This is the ninth year 98.7 The River has done the Christmas Wish lists. There's still time to donate. You can go to any Suntrust Bank and ask to give to 98.7 Christmas Wish Program.

Reported by: Melanie A. Ruberti, mruberti@wtoc.com