Uploaded December 2025 | Updated September 2026, 6 hours ago
Christmas is usually a season filled with family traditions, warm memories, and shared joy. But for families spending the holidays in the hospital, those moments can feel out of reach. At Bethany Children’s Health Center, our staff and generous supporters work hard to make sure hope and celebration still find their way into every hallway.
For dad Dan and his son Danny, Christmas at Bethany Children’s has become something they look forward to each year.
Danny first arrived more than seven years ago after being transferred from Little Rock, Arkansas. From the beginning, Dan stayed by his son’s side. Every day, he helps Danny get ready, accompanies him to class, and cheers him on as he heads to Bethany Public Schools a few days a week.
“I do his oral care, I do his trach changes and trach ties, I get him dressed, and I make sure he is ready to go for the day,” Dan said. Danny’s teacher’s assistant, Doris, describes them as “the dynamic duo of Bethany Children’s. You hardly ever see one without the other.”
Over time, Dan has become part of the hospital’s rhythm and culture. He knows staff across departments and sees the impact each team member has on Danny’s life. “The staff is great here. No matter what they do. The whole facility is great to Danny and me,” he shared.
Because Dan is here every day, he also sees the hospital come alive at Christmas. Decorations go up, concerts begin, and the Joy of Christmas campaign fills the building with warmth. “My favorite part of Christmas here is seeing Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus and watching Danny smile when he gets his gifts,” Dan said.
Many families face financial challenges that make it difficult to provide the specialized items their children need. That is why our Joy of Christmas campaign matters so much. Danny’s teacher, Matt Harder, explained how your generosity makes a difference. “Danny is able to participate in our class activities because of these gifts. If we are doing a cooking class, he can use a pouring device that was donated. These gifts allow Danny and the other kids to be part of everything we do.”
Dan calls these donations “a blessing,” grateful for the opportunities Danny has because of caring people in our community.
For our staff, Christmas is not only festive. It is a chance to bring joy to children who need it most. Matt summed it up beautifully. “The reason we do this is for that smile. When Danny and Dan walk in and see an art project or decorations we prepared, it makes all the effort worth it. We are able to do it because people give time or financial gifts. It all leads to that smile.”
For families like Dan and Danny, those smiles, moments, and memories are what make Christmas at Bethany Children’s so special. Every year, our Joy of Christmas campaign helps create moments that brighten the season for children spending their holidays here. Because our patients have unique needs, each program carefully builds a wish list full of items that support growth, comfort, and meaningful experiences all year long.
This Christmas, we invite you to support our Education, Therapy, Recreation and Fine Arts, and Family Needs programs by shopping from one of our wishlists. Every gift helps remind our children that they are seen, loved, and celebrated during this special time of year.
bethanychildrens.org
#bethanychildrens #pediatrics #complexcare #childcare #joyofchristmas #trachea #christmas #hospital #fatherandson
Christmas is usually a season filled with family traditions, warm memories, and shared joy. But for families spending the holidays in the hospital, those moments can feel out of reach. At Bethany Children’s Health Center, our staff and generous supporters work hard to make sure hope and celebration still find their way into every hallway.
For dad Dan and his son Danny, Christmas at Bethany Children’s has become something they look forward to each year.
Danny first arrived more than seven years ago after being transferred from Little Rock, Arkansas. From the beginning, Dan stayed by his son’s side. Every day, he helps Danny get ready, accompanies him to class, and cheers him on as he heads to Bethany Public Schools a few days a week.
“I do his oral care, I do his trach changes and trach ties, I get him dressed, and I make sure he is ready to go for the day,” Dan said. Danny’s teacher’s assistant, Doris, describes them as “the dynamic duo of Bethany Children’s. You hardly ever see one without the other.”
Over time, Dan has become part of the hospital’s rhythm and culture. He knows staff across departments and sees the impact each team member has on Danny’s life. “The staff is great here. No matter what they do. The whole facility is great to Danny and me,” he shared.
Because Dan is here every day, he also sees the hospital come alive at Christmas. Decorations go up, concerts begin, and the Joy of Christmas campaign fills the building with warmth. “My favorite part of Christmas here is seeing Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus and watching Danny smile when he gets his gifts,” Dan said.
Many families face financial challenges that make it difficult to provide the specialized items their children need. That is why our Joy of Christmas campaign matters so much. Danny’s teacher, Matt Harder, explained how your generosity makes a difference. “Danny is able to participate in our class activities because of these gifts. If we are doing a cooking class, he can use a pouring device that was donated. These gifts allow Danny and the other kids to be part of everything we do.”
Dan calls these donations “a blessing,” grateful for the opportunities Danny has because of caring people in our community.
For our staff, Christmas is not only festive. It is a chance to bring joy to children who need it most. Matt summed it up beautifully. “The reason we do this is for that smile. When Danny and Dan walk in and see an art project or decorations we prepared, it makes all the effort worth it. We are able to do it because people give time or financial gifts. It all leads to that smile.”
For families like Dan and Danny, those smiles, moments, and memories are what make Christmas at Bethany Children’s so special. Every year, our Joy of Christmas campaign helps create moments that brighten the season for children spending their holidays here. Because our patients have unique needs, each program carefully builds a wish list full of items that support growth, comfort, and meaningful experiences all year long.
This Christmas, we invite you to support our Education, Therapy, Recreation and Fine Arts, and Family Needs programs by shopping from one of our wishlists. Every gift helps remind our children that they are seen, loved, and celebrated during this special time of year.
bethanychildrens.org
#bethanychildrens #pediatrics #complexcare #childcare #joyofchristmas #trachea #christmas #hospital #fatherandson
