THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, December 11, 1995 TAG: 9512110035
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY STEVE STONE, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 82 lines
For some special children, Christmas came Sunday.
Santa and his helpers tied up the reindeer and switched to four-door ``sleighs'' to make the rounds at 52 homes in Southeastern Virginia where children face catastrophic illnesses.
``The fact that Santa came to see my son makes Christmas so special,'' said Elmira Johnson, 35, of Norfolk. ``It was great.''
Her son, Troy Sargeant, 10, is terminally ill. But she didn't want to talk about that Sunday - not the day Santa came.
``This is the third year Santa has come here to see my son,'' Johnson said. ``He's very blessed.''
More than 200 people assisted Santa, delivering nearly 2,000 gifts donated by area groups and businesses, said Julie Sligh, executive director of the Edmarc Hospice for Children in Portsmouth.
Edmarc assists families that have children who are terminally ill or at risk of dying - children who face all kinds of medical challenges, from cancer to AIDS.
For the past eight years, Edmarc has organized the Christmas effort.
``A lot of the children are not able to leave their homes because of physical constraints,'' Sligh said. Others, including those in chemotherapy, are virtual prisoners living at home in near-sterile environments that protect them.
``Most often the reaction is jubilation,'' Sligh said. ``They just can't believe their good fortune to actually see Santa in their very own home. It's sort of overwhelming.''
The gifts come from anonymous donors who receive a list of first names and ages and the wish lists of the children or families, Sligh said.
One of Santa's stops Sunday was at 3-year-old Rondrell Burrus' home in downtown Norfolk.
Neighborhood children ignored the freezing weather - one boy wore only shorts and a T-shirt - and flocked to Santa when he arrived.
``Where are the toys? I want . . . some toys!'' one girl shouted. She was satisfied to be among several children given candy canes.
Santa, a large elf and an entourage of carolers then piled into Rondrell's home. The boy was whisked into Santa's lap while his brothers, a half-dozen young friends and the rest of his family looked on.
``It makes a lot of difference,'' said the boy's grandmother, Familia Burrus.
Rondrell, who has leukemia, was remarkably laid-back about the visit - eyes widened to take in the magic but lips sealed. ``You've been asking for Santa all day, and now you're not smiling,'' his grandmother teased.
There was only a hint of a smile, but Santa was understanding. ``There's just a lot of excitement,'' he told Rondrell, cradling the boy in his arms.
When it was time to open Santa's two big bags, Rondrell dutifully took each package to a tree decorated simply with tiny angels, family pictures and love. The pile of packages grew steadily until it seemed the small tree might be buried.
``I've made hundreds of these home visits,'' Sligh said.
``The time for me that it is most difficult is six or eight months later and you learn a child has died,'' she said.
``Then you realize . . . you brought them their last Christmas. But when you're looking at the child sitting in Santa's lap, it's impossible to accept that they may not be here next year.'' MEMO: If you are interested in helping the Edmarc program, call 397-0432.
ILLUSTRATION: [Color Photos]
HUY NGUYEN photos
The Virginian-Pilot
Elmira Johnson and her family watch as Santa, right, visits Troy
Sargeant, 10, who's hidden behind the gift.
Troy Sargeant watches for Santa. ``This is the third year Santa has
come to see my son,'' Troy's mother said. ``He's very blessed.''
TO HELP
If you are interested in helping the Edmarc program, call 397-0432.
by CNB