Twelve years ago, Bridgeport High School Junior Mackenzie Griffith underwent six months of chemotherapy at the WVU Children’s Hospital in Morgantown.  Although over a decade has passed, her experience there manifested itself during the holidays this year as she and her family found a unique way to give back to the current patients in the pediatric unit. 

 

Griffith was diagnosed with lymphoma at the age of four.  Her annual checkups, thankfully, have shown that she continues to be cancer-free, but a recent appointment inspired a conversation about what she went through as a young child. She spoke with her mother about how much the staff’s dedication to the patients meant to her, namely a toy chest from which kids could select a toy after each treatment or procedure. 

In 2006, Griffith was chosen at the WVU Children’s Hospital Champion Child. One child is chosen from each state to represent the thousands of children treated in the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals across the country.  The Champions travel with their families as official ambassadors highlighting the work of the hospitals they represent.

 

Griffith continues to tell her story to local businesses, civic groups and organizations to demonstrate the power of prayer, family and resources available at the WVU Children’s Hospital.

 

Knowing the impact the toy chest had on her when she was young, she could empathize with the difficulties facing the pediatric patients and their families, especially during the holidays.  She decided to organize a toy drive for the patients, collecting donations from businesses, family and friends and delivering them to the hospital on Dec. 22, just in time for Santa to deliver them.  They made sure toys and gifts were available for the wide range of ages presently being treated and collected over 50 toys altogether.

 

“It was an incredible experience to know that we could provide some happiness during their hospital stay and that it might take their minds off the treatments they are going through,” said Griffith.  “We hope to continue to do this annually.  The hospital staff was so good to me while I was there and I am so grateful to be able to give back.”