On October 22, it was a dark, rainy morning. On the way to the Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Center, we thought that many children would not able to attend our event, but we came prepared like always because sometimes we have 5 children and other times we have more than 30 children. We ended up having 32 children and their families come to our event. 21 were boys and 11 were girls.
Blair and Principal Heidi Jerry from St. Mark Lutheran School came to give away books that were collected at the school for the children.
We had one table with the new books for the children, pirate hats, Captain Jack Sparrow and Uma yarn wigs (provided by the Magic Yarn Project). Principal Jerry and Blair were able to help the children choose their books, pirate hats, and yarn wigs. The children really enjoyed choosing from among the selection of books.
Simultaneously we had several craft tables going. Lara was busy helping children make their own pirate flags with fabric and stick flagpoles. Vivi was at another table helping children color their own drawstring bags. We also had coloring pages for the children. The craft tables were full from the beginning of the event to the end.
Principal Jerry went to give away some books to the older children who were sitting down in the waiting room or by the infusion area. The children enjoyed choosing books. There was an 11-year-old girl who got very excited when she saw, and chose, a book that she was familiar with. She started to read the book right away. Later she told me, "I read all of chapter one and my mom read chapter two."
We could not have done a Pirate For a Day event without Captain Jack Sparrow and Pirate Fairy. The children loved to see them at the event. Most of the children didn't hesitate to have their pictures taken with them. There was a 12-yearold boy who was playing video games, and when I told him that Captain Jack Sparrow was on the way to the event, he got so excited, his eyes grew to the size of saucers! Some time after Jack Sparrow had talked and posed with the children, I asked him to come say hello to a special boy who really wanted to see him. The nurse had just stepped out when Captain Jack Sparrow and I came by. The little boy got so happy when he saw him that his mom took her phone out and ask her son if she could take pictures of him with Jack.
Churrasco Food Truck & Catering provided lunch for 100 people. The lunch included rice, beans, beef, chicken, and vegetables. We are immensely grateful to Oscar, the owner, who provided lunch without hesitation when we asked. Daniella and Blair served lunch to everyone.
I can't thank everyone enough for helping out and coming together to make this event a great success. It was a busy event in which we were able to bring joy to 32 children who thought they were going for yet another doctor's appointment and treatment, and ended up surprised and having a great time!
