Children's Healthcare of Atlanta's three hospitals expect to treat over 1,000 kids over the next couple of weeks. That means a lot of kids may not be able to be at home for Christmas, so Children's is working overtime to bring Christmas to the kids.
When it comes to smiles, Nylah Sloane's could light up Atlanta. In fact, the 11-year-old rarely stops smiling even though she's in a hospital bed.
Nylah likes the AFLAC Cancer Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston because she says things feel a little normal there, even though they're not.
"It's not what you think. Like if you expect it to be like, ‘Oh, man, I'm in the hospital.' It's not really like that. It just depends on how the people around you act toward you," said Sloane.
At Children's Healthcare, the sixth-grader says they're nice. Really nice.
"Because what I'm going through, it makes me sometimes want to cry, but I know the people here, they really support me. And I don't have nothing really to cry about," she said.
The sixth grader has osteosarcoma -- bone cancer -- in her leg. In November, surgeons replaced her knee, so she can't get out of bed.
By Nylah's side, through it all, has been Children's child life specialist, Layne Umberger.
"And I think she has her days where she feels down, or is having a tough time, making it through, but in the end, she just always has the most positive attitude and realizes that there is an end in sight," said Umberger.
Until they can get there, the kids -- a lot of kids -- will be there.
Santa knows that because he knows where the kids are, even when they're nowhere close to home.
As he complimented Nylah on her hat, Santa admitted that he was overdressed for Georgia, because he's been at the North Pole, and in NYC for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The whole time, Nylah was smiling like everything is going to be OK.
"It's so important because these kids have cancer, and it's really hard on their little bodies, and we just want to make sure that they can still have a happy Christmas, and that they're getting to do things that other kids are getting to do who are healthy and normal at home. We want to provide that experience here," said Umberger.
Nylah is grateful for a hospital that doesn't forget what it's like to be a kid at Christmas.
Thousands of Georgians have sent text messages to the kids who are in the hospital, through Children's Share Campaign.
Those messages will be shared through children's internal television system. To send a message to kids spending the holidays in the hospital, go to www.sharewithchildrens.org.
Government health officials are investigating several health problems reported with potentially contaminated medications made by a Tennessee specialty pharmacy.
Health officials are investigating cases involving patients who suffered complications after being injected with potentially contaminated medications made by a Tennessee specialty pharmacy.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:27 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:27:37 GMT
Summer in Georgia means mosquitoes—and lots of them. Even if you're just stepping outdoors for a few minutes, you need to protect yourself. But how do you pick the right bug repellent?
Summer in Georgia means mosquitoes—and lots of them. Even if you're just stepping outdoors for a few minutes, you need to protect yourself. But how do you pick the right bug repellent?
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:20 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:20:11 GMT
Memorial Day weekend – the unofficial start of summer – is just days away. Thousands of Georgians are planning to fly somewhere, which is great, unless flying panics you.
Memorial Day weekend – the unofficial start of summer – is just days away. Thousands of Georgians are planning to fly somewhere, which is great, unless flying panics you.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:51 AM EDT2013-05-22 12:51:47 GMT
Chances are your child or someone in your child's class has at least one food allergy.
Chances are your child or someone in your child's class has at least one food allergy. A study by the CDC released last week shows that one in every 20 kids is dealing with food allergies. It's a challenge, but doctors say it's important that kids get diagnosed and treated.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:17 AM EDT2013-05-21 14:17:24 GMT
When it comes to talking to doctors, a lot of us aren't exactly shooting straight. In fact, one survey found that almost 30 percent of patients admit to lying to their physician.
When it comes to talking to doctors, a lot of us aren't exactly shooting straight. In fact, one survey found that almost 30 percent of patients admit to lying to their physician. So, how much does your doctor really need to know?
Monday, May 20 2013 6:03 PM EDT2013-05-20 22:03:26 GMT
Sutton Burnett's blog began as a way to share her story with friends and family. It's grown into something much deeper.
Drop in on your friend's Facebook pages and blogs and you'll probably see a lot of photos of their kids. Sutton Burnett's blog began as a way to share her story with friends and family. It's grown into something much deeper.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:28 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:28:40 GMT
Melanoma is considered the deadliest form of skin cancer. A veteran dermatologist says he used to see three to five melanomas a year. Now, he says, he sees that many in a week!
Melanoma is considered the deadliest form of skin cancer. A veteran dermatologist says he used to see three to five melanomas a year. Now, he says, he sees that many in a week!
Thursday, May 16 2013 11:00 PM EDT2013-05-17 03:00:47 GMT
A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows millions of American kids suffer from mental health problems. Experts believe as many as 20 percent of American children are affected.
A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows millions of American kids suffer from mental health problems. Experts believe as many as 20 percent of American children are affected.
