Cancer surviving tot switches on hospital’s Christmas lights

By Hamish Morrison via SWNS

A baby boy who had surgery for a brain tumor at just 12 days old switched on the Christmas lights at the children’s hospital where he was treated.

Joey Sharp will celebrate his first birthday on December 3, and in his first month of life endured two life-saving surgeries to remove a growth on his brain.

“Our little Joey was only 12 days old when he had emergency surgery in December last year, " said Joey's mom Sam.

“Hours before, we were given the devastating news that he had a brain tumor. We were told to prepare for the worst, our world had shattered.

“I had been making Christmas lists, buying presents and organizing family fun. Suddenly, it all seemed hopeless."

Joey went in for his first surgery just 12 days after he was born and then again on December 23, when 98 percent of the tumor was removed.

“After eight agonizing hours, 50 percent of the tumor was removed," Sam said.

“But Joey was still seriously ill and needed a second operation. The days passed in a blur as we sat by his side in intensive care.

“Two days before Christmas, he had his second brain surgery. This time, they removed 98 percent of the tumor, but we still had a way to go.

He underwent six months of chemotherapy at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh.

“With six long months of intensive chemotherapy ahead, we were determined to make the most of every moment," Sam said.

Joey was transferred to the new hospital in March and was told he was free of cancer on July 27,but still makes regular visits for scans and check ups.

Now, he was the first person to turn on the Christmas lights during a ceremony at the new hospital.

Joey, from Penicuik, Midlothian, switched on the lights, accompanied by parents Sam and Steven and sister Carly, three, on November 28.

He benefitted from sensory classes and activity sessions organized by the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC).

“Throughout our time in hospital, ECHC was there for us at every turn, supporting us on the ward when none of our family or friends could visit," Sam said.

“Seeing Joey respond to bubbles in baby sensory sessions, and hearing singing and live music was wonderful, it gave us hope.

“On Christmas Day, COVID rules were relaxed and we were allowed to be together.

“ECHC made sure our time was magical. They showered the kids with gifts and involved Carly in all the fun.

“The best gift of all was seeing her and her baby brother together for the first time since he was admitted.

“Joey is now 11 months old, cancer free and growing stronger every day.

“Without doubt, the support from ECHC made a huge difference to his recovery and our first memories as a family so it was wonderful to have him be the first to switch on the Christmas lights for the charity at the new hospital.”

Children, families and staff gathered at the hospital entrance and watched on from windows as they were treated to a musical performance by Edinburgh Brass Band before watching Joey and his family light up the giant Christmas tree.

Victoria Buchanan, from ECHC, said: “We would like to say an enormous thank you to Joey and his family for helping to make our first ever Christmas Light Switch On at the new hospital so special.

“Every year, ECHC makes Christmas magical for children in hospital by creating a living advent calendar around the wards with a new surprise behind each door, with everything from a real ballerina to festive magic sessions and a samba band.

“We also fund the hospital play team and Christmas gifts to make sure treats and distractions are always available to bring smiles and comfort.

“This is our first year in our new home at Little France, so we are determined to make it the biggest and best Christmas yet."

To donate, visit www.echcharity.org/christmas