December 5 , 2003

A young patient remembers the heart of giving

Evelyn Malkin, LICSW, of MGH Social Services, received a letter this past summer from Carina Comer (below right), a former patient of MassGeneral Hospital for Children, that touched her heart. Comer, who is 11 years old and received radiation treatments at the MGH in 2000, wrote that she wanted to send some gifts to current patients. "I know how it feels to be sad and then receive gifts to make you put a smile on your face," wrote Comer.

A few months later, Malkin received three boxes packed full of toys from Comer, who raised $400 through a bake sale and tag sale. The boxes contained stuffed animals, Beanie Babies, children's books, books on tape, coloring books, crayons and glitter. Each gift contained a homemade tag with the message, "Hoping this brings smiles and joyful laughs to your heart to help you get well. Love, your MGH friend."

Throughout the holiday season pediatric patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation will receive a gift from Comer's generous donation.