Childhood Cancer Foundation of Southern California Brings Smiles to Families Affected by Cancer by Hannah Amante - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ AUGUST ►
S M T W T F S
26 27 28 29 30 31 01
02 03 04 05 06 07 08
09 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30 31 01 02 03 04 05
View Events
Submit Events

Childhood Cancer Foundation of Southern California Brings Smiles to Families Affected by Cancer

By Hannah Amante, Community Writer
December 11, 2013 at 02:41pm. Views: 79

Hundreds of children opened presents, met Santa Claus and made their own crafts at The Childhood Cancer Foundation of Southern California’s (CCFSC) 32nd Annual Christmas Celebration at the Loma Linda Drayson Center on Dec. 8. “The purpose [of the event] is to brighten the life of a child with cancer,” said CCFSC Executive Director Armida Kersey. Kersey shared that over 700 families are registered with the organization and that 471 kids, which includes children with cancer and their siblings, were registered to come to the Christmas celebration. Their ages ranged from birth to 19 years old. Kersey said that the kids who attend are primarily from Loma Linda Children’s Hospital but there are a few from Los Angeles and Orange County. “It gets bigger and bigger every year, which is not good news because more children are having a difficult time,” she said. “You don’t have to have any kind of economic problem to have a child with cancer. Any child could be diagnosed with cancer. Everybody assumes that it’s gonna be someone else’s kid until it happens to them. So it’s a reality.” The evening’s activities included a performance by Mariachi Trompetas de Mexico, followed by a visit from Santa Claus. Every child that attended the event received a gift. Pizza and dessert were also provided for the families to enjoy. Around the perimeter of the room, 18 local businesses and organizations, such as Alexis Victoria Salon & Spa, Riverside Church of Christ, and Inland Center Mall, hosted arts and crafts tables. The California Correctional Peace Officers Association was a major sponsor for the event. “They bring all their own projects,” said Kersey. “That’s the whole community — that’s almost 20 groups that really think this is important, and they do it out of the goodness of their hearts. They get no money for it. They do it for themselves.” The Christmas Celebration is just one of many programs CCFSC puts on throughout the year. There are events for Easter and Halloween, summer picnics, a summer camp and weekly support activities for parents of children with cancer. Kersey said the organization gives out gifts every week. “And I think that’s important, because kids get diagnosed after Christmas," she said. "So if you have a child who’s diagnosed after Christmas, you don’t want to say, 'oh, that’s too bad.' We say, 'we’re there every week for you after Christmas,' so that your child will get a gift every week that they’re in the hospital.”

Related Articles

Downtown San Bernardino's Small Business Momentum Signals a New Chapter for the City's Future
Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT.

By Sadie Collins, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 961

Pedestrians walk past locally owned shops and outdoor cafés in a vibrant downtown district, illustrating how small businesses contribute to economic growth, community pride, and a welcoming environment in San Bernardino.

Blue Mountain Continues to Inspire Outdoor Recreation and Conservation in Grand Terrace
Photo Courtesy of: MapQuest

By Sadie Collins, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 813

Hikers enjoy scenic trails and panoramic views from Blue Mountain Open Space in Grand Terrace, one of the city's most treasured natural landmarks and recreational destinations.

Grand Terrace Library's Summer Programs Inspire Young Readers and Bring Families Together
Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Grant Walker, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 641

Families and children participate in educational activities at a public library, reflecting the Grand Terrace Branch Library's commitment to lifelong learning and community engagement.

Growing Greener Together: How Loma Linda's Trees, Trails, and Open Spaces Shape a Healthier Future
Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Grant Walker, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 740

Residents enjoy a tree-lined walking path and community park, reflecting Loma Linda's long-standing commitment to healthy outdoor living.

Building More Than Businesses
Photo Courtesy of: AllEvents

By Nolan Hayes, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 742

Local business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members gather for a networking luncheon focused on economic development and collaboration.

Healthy Communities Begin With Healthy Conversations
Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Sadie Collins, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 765

Healthcare professionals lead a community wellness program designed to educate residents about healthy living and preventive care.

Summer of Discovery: Loma Linda Library Helps Turn School Break Into a Season of Learning
Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Caleb Foster, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 716

Children and families gather at a public library to enjoy story time, browse books, and participate in educational activities during the summer.

Totally Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Honored with National Quality Award
Photo Courtesy of: Totally Kids Rehabilitation

By William Cortez, Community Writer

June 26, 2026 at 07:56am. Views: 1494

Totally Kids Rehabilitation Hospital’s pediatric subacute program has become the only program
of its kind in California to earn the Bronze Commitment to Quality Award from the American
Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living

Highland GLO MedSpa Celebrates Grand Opening, Bringing Advanced Medical Aesthetics to the Highland Community
Photo Courtesy of: Highland Glo MedSpa

By Highland Glo MedSpa, Contributing Writer

June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 1577

Claudia Torres, Aesthetics Consultant, Mairah Angulo, Aesthetics Consultant, Jill Ali, FNP-C (Provider), Dr. Namita Mohideen, MD, CEO, Dr. Kelly Jeu, MD, Provider, Dr. Jose Arciniega, DO, Provider, Ilsse Castillo, Office Manager, Alexia Sanchez, Office Manager

The Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern California Proves Its Relevance in a Changing America
Photo Courtesy of: The Civil Rights Institute

By Carl M. Dameron, Contributing Writer

June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 1450

Photo caption: The Civil Rights Institute Board of Directors and the community celebrate the Woman of Achievement Awardee. Photo L to R: Ken Gutierrez, The Civil Rights Institute Board Member; Kathy Wright, Community Leader; Sabrina Gonzalez, Civil Rights Institute Executive Director; Launa Wilson, The Civil Rights Institute Board President; Q'Vinc Asberry, The Civil Rights Institute Board Member; Irma Asberry, Community Leader/Retired Judge, Superior Court of Riverside County.

Turning Grades into Goals: San Bernardino Students Honored for Academic Triumphs
Photo Courtesy of: Chris Sloan

By Carl M. Dameron, Contributing Writer

June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 1063

Valdez Educational Services President Aaron Valdez, SBCUSD ETSA Wil Greer, Ionatauna Asu, Student, Equity guest teacher Fernando Tanioka, then Equity Counselor Francine Blacksher, celebrate Asu’s achievement, taking his grades from a low F to a high A, at An Evening of Excellence.

Colton Chamber of Commerce New president

Photo Courtesy of: Christina Gaitan

By Chamber Inducted new President , Community Writer

June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 1159

left to right -Nelky Rodriguez ( secretary) - Arnise Dejohnette ( board member)- Anna Juarez (board member) David Toro (Council member) Belen Cordero(Board member) - Javier Gomez (treasurer) City Manager -Mayor Frank Navarro- Brian Childstrom (Emeritus) Christina Gaitan (Coordinator) Shelley Burnach ( Vice President ) Lesley Stevens ( Board member) Frank Aguliar (president ) Matthew Hernandez (board member) Councilman Dr. G - Chief Vega Colton Police Department .

--> -->