JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Joint Base Andrews hosted its 27th annual Parents and Children Fighting Cancer Holiday Party for military families battling cancer at Hangar 3, Dec. 13, 2014.
The bright and festive event was held for Walter Reed National Medical Center pediatric oncology patients and their families to celebrate the holiday season.
"The importance of this day, is for the patients not having to think about anything but being a kid," said Janet Grampp, the JBA Fisher House manager and coordinator of the event. "They don't have to think about IVs or chemo. For this snapshot in time, they are just kids, having a great time."
PCFC is a non-profit organization and support group for families who are receiving treatment, or have previously received treatment at Walter Reed. Their mission is to improve the quality of life for children with cancer and to provide support for their families.
"My favorite part of this event is always seeing the smile on the children's face as they're running around," said 1st Sgt. Stormy Knowles, Troop Command South Alpha Company. "A lot of times when it comes to childhood cancer, they don't get an opportunity to be a kid."
The PCFC Secretary, Knowles' son was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia at the age of 2. "He is 15-years-old and doing very, very well," she said.
Knowles, the 2015 Ms. Virginia Woman United States, and three of her fellow queens from the Miss Woman United States Pageant organization, were amongst 250 military, Walter Reed staff and community members that volunteered for the event.
Batman, Disney Princesses, face painters, animal-balloon twisters, Santa Clause, Mrs. Clause and their elves were featured at the party. A buffet of food, colorful sugar cookies and sprinkled cupcakes lined the corner of the hangar.
"I think it's a fabulous event," U.S. Air Force Retired Maj. Gen. Scott Gray said. "I love the way it's grown. I love that we can do this for the families who have the challenges going on and bring a little of spirit in during Christmas time."
Agency 9 Dance Studio, The Berryville Baptist Rascals, and Chin Hamaya Culture Center provided entertainment for the PCFC families and volunteers.
"The volunteers are enthusiastic about this cause, and you can see that on full display," said Grampp.
Between volunteers, a display or an aircraft, every wing on JBA was represented at the party.
Ruby Markley, the PCFC President has been involved with the holiday party for eight years after her 11-months-old daughter was diagnosed at with acute myeloid leukemia.
Even though they aren't around the clinic as often as before, Markley says her favorite part of the annual party is catching up with the families and meeting the new ones.
"We try to stay involved and do as much as we can for of the families because we know what it's like," Markley said.
Approximately 110 children, 60 of which are patients, registered for the event.
"This took a lot of people and time," Grampp said. "Nobody dropped the ball, everybody came through and that's huge. It's so beautiful to see these people come together like this for the kids."
After 18 years of coordinating the holiday party Grampp said she plans to continue to take the reins.
"You see these kids and the joy this event brings them," Grampp said, "and that's when you're hooked. You're hooked! How can you not be?"