Oakland Childrens Hospital contacted Random Acts with a request for an 11-year old girl whose 5-year sister has cancer and is not expected to live. Their names are being withheld here to protect their privacy. The devoted and adoring older sister has constantly been by the side of her younger sister who has been receiving chemotherapy and radiation for the past two years. In the past few months, her tumor has been progressing and she is not likely to survive for more than a few months. The older sister, who also serves as translator for her Spanish speaking parents, has missed out on many things in the past two years as her family's focus has been on the younger sister. The family has limited resources and is unable to do much to celebrate her upcoming birthday. Recently, when Firefighters from Station 8 "C" shift presented the family with gift cards and toys, the mother was go grateful that tears were streaming down her face.
When nurses at Childrens Hospital decided to throw her a surprise birthday party, they asked the older sister what she wanted. The first thing she said was for her younger sister "to be cured". After her tears stopped, she said "to see her smile". Ultimately, she admitted that she would like an I-Pod. Being a big fan of Tinkerbell, she also wanted a Tinkerball blanket, sheets and pillowcases. Random Acts provided the I-Pod and Tinkerball bedding assessories "Con Mucho Amor de Los Bomberos de Oakland ("With much love from Oakland Firefighters"). Afterward, Random Acts received this e-mail that made our day: "Thanks for the I-Pod and all the birthday presents!!! This was the greatest day of my life!! God bless you. You are nice people. Oh, and thank thank the Firemen, too. Wish you were here!!".
