Image source: Janelle Massey / ABC News
The holidays can be
a difficult time for some families – especially those with children battling illness in the hospital.
But 4-year-old Jillian Massey, who has been fighting medulloblastoma, a cancer of the brain and spine, was not about to let her disease bring her down. Not only that, but this upbeat little girl decided to brighten up her hospital ward
by organizing a toy drive for the patients.
Massey, who lives in Coopersburg, PA, was diagnosed in April, and underwent chemotherapy and stem cell transplants at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Her mother, Janelle Massey, told ABC News that her daughter remained strong and cheerful throughout the process.
“
Her positive, happy-go-lucky attitude has gotten her through this,” said Mrs. Massey told ABC News. “She doesn’t know she’s battling something bigger. She has no idea she’s sick. She’s just been living.”
After Massey was discharged in October, her mother suggested that they do something nice for the hospital. Her daughter soon thought of the perfect idea.
“She said: ‘It would be so much fun to give them toys,’” Mrs Massey told
ABC News.
Image Source: Janelle Massey / Facebook
With her mother’s help, Massey compiled an Amazon Wishlist of toys. They shared it on the girl’s official Facebook page,
Jillian Paige – You Got This, Girl, which chronicles her battle against cancer.
Massey initially set a goal of 50 toys. The goal was met in only two days, and a total of 3,000 toys have now been delivered to the family’s home.
“Honestly, it’s overwhelming,” Mrs. Massey told Philadelphia television station WTXF. “
Our initial goal was just to give back to CHOP and everything they’ve done for us, and now this is unbelievable.”
Thanks to Massey’s inspiration and people’s generosity, Christmas will come early for the children at CHOP. On December 19, a family friend will transport the toys to Philadelphia. Jillian Massey and her family will personally give them out to the patients, making the holidays a little brighter for everyone.
