December 18, 1998

Santa Claus and his elves took a break from their workshop at the North Pole to deliver presents to young MGH patients and their families at the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology holiday party Dec. 13.

Each child received a toy, a grab bag filled with goodies and a photo to remember their visit with Santa. The event featured raffle prizes, including grocery store certificates for holiday meals and a Christmas tree with all the trimmings. The party was topped by a Friendly's make-your-own-sundae booth.

The annual event is sponsored by the parents of Mark Forti, who established The Mark Forti Leukemia Fund in memory of their 9-year-old son who died in 1991. The fund assist families of young oncology patients at the MGH, helping defray such costs as housing and transportation or providing items like toys and concert tickets to lift a child's spirit during his or her illness.

Patient Cameron Forgitano, 5, tells his Christmas wishes to Santa Claus (Howard Weinstein, MD, of Pediatrics), who is accompanied by twin elves, Aaron and Rebecca Weinstein, 4.