December 27, 2004

Summer treats turn in to holiday toys

This past summer, the smell of baked goods wafted through the streets near the Comer family beach house. Carina Comer, a 12-year-old former patient of the MGH, baked these goodies with her mother to raise more than $400 in a neighborhood bake sale. With this money, Comer purchased stuffed animals, books, books on tape, dolls and travel games. But instead of keeping the gifts for herself, Comer brought them to the MGH's Northeast Proton Therapy Center (NPTC) Dec. 16 and gave some of the presents to children in the waiting room. Comer also did a bake sale and tag sale last year and sent three boxes packed with toys to the hospital for children undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. "I know what it feels like to be stuck in the hospital," says Comer.

The remainder of the presents will be given to children who visit the NPTC for an appointment throughout the holidays.

" Carina truly wants and loves to do this," says Karin, Carina's mother. "It truly comes from her heart."