The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer DESPITE their misfortunes last year, the Christmas season brought a jubilant close to 2011 for three families - the Thurstons, the Fords, and the Russells. It was an extremely tough year for the Thurston children, who lost their mother and father within months of each other to cancer. They left behind seven children. Still coping with the loss of both parents, the Thurston children are now dealing with the passing of their grandfather, their father's father who died in November 2011. When Brittany 11, Peter 10, Sara, nine, Justin, seven, and three-year-old Brianna came to The Tribune two weeks ago, the only thing they wanted was a Happy Christmas. Their caretaker Sara Smith said Christmas was the first holiday without their parents, and they were doing their best to make it very special. Despite the children's wish for a Nerf watergun, a Dora The Explorer doll, an easy bake oven, shoes and clothing, Ms Smith said that with extremely limited means, all she and her mother had to give the chidden were hugs, kisses, and lots of love. The moment the story about the Thurston children hit the streets on Christmas Eve, their aunt Patricia Pratt, who also takes care of them, was overwhelmed with telephone calls. "I was crying tears of joy because it was so amazing to see that there are still people who are kindhearted and still care to help others out. It was like people were waiting for that article to come out in the paper. They kept calling us, they gave us bags and bags of groceries, they brought the children clothing, shoes, and toys. Some people even brought monetary donations. The children got their easy bake oven, they got remote control cars, they got everything they wanted. We did not even have to cook Christmas dinner some people brought cooked food for us. Dolphin Encounters also told us that whenever we are ready they want to arrange an all day of fun for the kids. The children were so happy and once they are happy I am happy," she told Tribune Health. Ms Pratt said it was because of the public's goodwill she and her family were able to have a Merry Christmas. "I thank God that there are people who still care and I want to thank everyone for their love and support. Our family will have a very prosperous new year," she said. Love and support was also extended to Renaldo Gibson and the Ford family during the holidays. For the first time in almost three years, the teen who was bedridden and believed to be paralysed, slept in his own bed. Then 16, Renaldo was thrown from his mother's car when a truck hit the passenger side of the vehicle where he was seated. As a result, Renaldo suffered extensive injuries. He lost all sensation throughout his body and was unable to breath without the help of a ventilator. Renaldo was discharged from Male Surgical Ward II at the Princess Margaret Hospital on October 24. Today, he is in high spirits after having a wonderful Christmas holiday. His mother Jacqueline said: "Christmas was really great for Renaldo and us. We started off Christmas day by going to church, and everyone at church was so shocked and surprised to see him. Christmas Day as the first time in three years Renaldo had been to church and some of them haven't seen him since the accident." Before the accident, Renaldo was actively involved in the church. He was on the usher board and was a member of the youth choir at Rhodes Memorial Methodist Church. "Some of the young adults from the choir came to the house and sang him carols. They really brought the joy of Christmas to our home and Renaldo really enjoyed that," she said. One of Renaldo's favorite things to do is collect classic cars, and Christmas brought him another car to add to his collection. "I am so thankful that Renaldo is doing so much better. God has brought this far and I dear not give up. I want to give a special thanks to the Princess Margaret Hospital, the staff of Male Surgical Ward and the public for the help and support," Mrs Ford said. Dealing with their son who has rare genetic disorder, Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS) was extremely difficult for the Russells last year. Eight-year-old Koby Russell was born with the syndrome which can lead to severe developmental abnormalities. It affects the physical and intellectual development of a child. Koby has only two fingers on his right hand and four on his left. Children with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome have a distinctive facial appearance. The genetic disorder is also characterised by low birth weight (usually under five pounds/2.5 kilograms), delayed growth, developmental delay, limb differences, small head size, thick eyebrows, long lashes, a short upturned nose, excessive body hair, small hands and feet, small widely spaced teeth and a number of other abnormalities. However, throughout their trials this year, coping with their circumstances and doing their best to secure funds for the several surgeries Koby underwent, Christmas was a joyous time especially given Koby's progression. His mother Ingrid said: "Koby had his first Christmas party at his school (Palmdale Primary), we were not there but we heard of all the fun he had with the other students at the school. "The past two months he has been doing so much better. We bought Koby a bike for Christmas and we are so happy now because he is fighting, trying to get on the bike. Before he was not interested in it or playing with toys. He only wanted to play with Avon books, now we have to go and purchase more toys for him. But we are grateful for how far he has come and we had such a beautiful Christmas." his mother."