Tulsa Children's Hospital Throws Annual Christmas Party For Patients

Christmas is a special time for children filled with magic and wonder.  But for some kids, it's also a time they must spend getting medical treatment. 

The folks at St. Francis in Tulsa rolled out the holiday carpet, and brought Christmas all wrapped up in one afternoon celebration. 

Braiden Green is taking in all the sights and sounds of Christmas.  It's a nice change of pace for the 4-year-old who's being treated at the Children's Hospital at St. Francis.

He was diagnosed with ALL, Acute lymphoblastic leukemia. 

"We've been here since July. He just started slowing down and taking naps and in the middle of the afternoon so we decided to go and get his blood checked and found out he had leukemia and we've been here and it's been good," said Erick Green, Braiden's father. 

Braiden joined dozens of others kids for this Christmas party designed just for them. Santa was there for pictures, they enjoyed treats and presents and lots of music filled the afternoon. 

Being in the hospital is especially tough during the holidays, but Braiden's parents say they are grateful for a place like this.

"When it all happened, I didn't know where to go and I've talked to a lot of people and we've been a lot of places and we've done a lot of things but he's hung in there and if is where he's got to be on Christmas, this is where we are," said Erick Green. 

"It means a lot, it's great, it means a lot. It shows him this is what Christmas is about is family and time to be together and it's not all about the gifts and the money that they spend. It's just about being here and being healthy and being together," said Sammy Green, Braiden's mom. 

And that's the best Christmas gift of all. 

Braiden's treatment will continue for the next 3 years, but his parents say he's responding beautifully.

LeAnne Taylor emceed the Christmas party Tuesday.