Arizona Family Continues Legacy of Joy, Donates Gifts to Banner Children’s Pediatric Cancer floor
A Phoenix-area family is once again spreading holiday cheer to young patients at banner Children’s hospital, continuing a tradition born from profound loss and a desire to honor their daughter’s memory. The Christmases’ annual gift drive provides a vital source of comfort and joy to children battling cancer during the holiday season.
A Tradition of Remembrance
The holidays can be especially challenging for families navigating the challenges of childhood illness. Recognizing this, Chet and Cristal Christmas embarked on a mission six years ago to brighten the spirits of children on the pediatric cancer floor at Banner Children’s Hospital in Mesa, Arizona. Their efforts are a poignant tribute to their daughter, Savanah Christmas, who passed away in November 2020 from leukemia, just weeks before her first birthday.
“It keeps her alive with us and her memory. It keeps on going,” Savanah’s mother,Cristal Christmas,explained. The family first garnered local attention in December 2024 when FOX 10 reported on their dedication to the pediatric cancer floor.
Expanding Impact in 2025
This year marks the sixth holiday season the Christmases have spent without Savanah, but their commitment to bringing joy to others remains unwavering. the family delivered a significantly larger number of gifts in 2025, thanks to the generous support of their family and friends.
“We got many more gifts this year, and our family and friends, we want to say thank you to them. They really helped out a lot, so they’re going to make a lot of kids very happy this year,” Cristal said. This year’s donations focused on board games and other interactive gifts designed to encourage family engagement during hospital visits.
The return to the seventh floor of Banner Children’s is a deeply emotional experience for the family, yet overwhelmingly positive. “We enjoy it. It’s not dreadful. It’s very enjoyable to do it. I look forward to doing it every year,” Cristal shared. The visits also provide an chance for their other daughters to connect with Savanah’s memory. “Our daughters get to see where our Savanah stayed, and they have so many questions, and we’re able to show them. You know,this is where she was. This is where we were.”
Gratitude for Healthcare Heroes
The Christmases’ generosity extends beyond the patients to the dedicated staff at Banner children’s. They expressed their gratitude to medical professionals like Dr. naresh Reddy, a pediatric hematologist and oncologist who cared for savanah.
Dr. Reddy fondly remembers Savanah’s unwavering spirit.”No matter what she was going through, whether she had a good day, whether she had a rough day, she always had a stunning smile,” he said. He emphasized the profound impact of the Christmases’ continued support.”How they have converted their grief, like they’re not only just bringing thes gifts, they are bringing the joy, the comfort and the love that they want to show for other children and other parents who are going through the same journey.”
A Legacy of Courage and Compassion
The Christmases have transformed their personal tragedy into a beacon of hope for other families facing similar challenges.Their dedication serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring strength of the human spirit and the importance of community support. “She is the one that brought the light in the room every single time, and she was just showing just how heroic she truly is to us,” Cristal said, reflecting on her daughter’s legacy.
Looking ahead, the Christmas family plans to expand their giving event even further in the coming years, ensuring that Savanah’s light continues to shine brightly for years to come.
This story was gathered by FOX 10’s Nicole Krasean.
