This article was written by Amber Bhutta, class of 2019.
In keeping with the holiday season, the Pre-Medical Society upheld their own tradition of the season by throwing their annual Holiday Party. Taking place for the children in the pediatric oncology unit at the Salah Foundation Children’s Hospital, the party provided a chance for the children to experience the holiday despite having to spend them primarily in the hospital.
Pre-Med members set up and ran numerous activities that guests had the opportunity to partake in, including making ornaments, decorating gingerbread cookies and playing video games on a large TV screen.
“A lot of the time, this is one of the only times these kids get to leave their hospital rooms for something they can really enjoy,” senior and Pre-Med member Emma Quarequio said. “We try to make it as exciting as possible because of that.”
After the activities and lunch, the A Capella group performed a number of Christmas and Chanukah themed holiday songs, including “Jingle Bell Rock” and “Chanukah Oh Chanukah.” At the end of the performance, the children lined up to take photos with Santa. As each child reached the front of the line, Pre-Med officers gave out the gifts that the children had requested when creating their wish lists at the Pre-Med Superhero Party in October.
“When I see the kids open their presents and when I realize that this year is my last [Holiday Party], I get especially sad,” Quarequio said. “Coming here and seeing how happy the kids always get reminds me why I joined.”
