Festival of Trees raising money to help provide medical care for children
Courtesy the Thackery Family
Ruby Thackery was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 3. Funds from the Festival of Trees helped pay for her treatments, and today, at age 11, she is cancer free.There will also be wreaths, nativities, gingerbread houses, quilts and 5,000 pounds of Festival of Trees fudge in 51 flavors. All items will be available for purchase or bid at silent auction.
All items at the festival were handcrafted and donated by thousands of volunteers across the state as well as neighboring states. Many were made to honor friends or family who are or have been patients at the children’s hospital.
Money collected at the festival will support Primary Children’s Hospital and provide care to children in need.
“Our community truly is making a difference in the lives of children by supporting this beloved holiday tradition,” said Katy Welkie, chief executive officer of Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital and vice president of Intermountain Children’s Health. “We are grateful to our dedicated volunteers for their commitment to helping children thrive and invite the community to join us at the Festival of Trees.”
Some of the funds collected at the yearly event have helped children like 11 year-old Utah resident Ruby Thackery. At the age of 3, Ruby was diagnosed with cancer when a little white spot at the bottom of her neck was discovered. The cancer had spread to her lungs and one tumor was pressing on her heart.
Physicians at Primary Children’s Hospital used a new technology called rapid whole genome sequencing to help identify a new, targeted therapy for the toddler’s cancer. It was successful and showed Ruby’s lung tumors shrunk 90% in just a few months.
“Now there’s no evidence of disease, and she’s been off treatment for three years,” her mother Ali Thackery said.
Ruby is showing her gratitude by helping other families at Primary Children’s Hospital by serving meals at the Ronald McDonald Family Room.
“Last year, the Festival of Trees raised $3.4 million to help children like Ruby at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital,” said Janet DeWolfe, executive director of Intermountain Foundation at the hospital. “We invite the community to ring in the holiday season at the Festival of Trees and give generously to help children at Primary Children’s Hospital and boost children’s health throughout our state and region.”
The Festival of Trees will also feature live music, scones, dance performances and visits with the Grinch and Santa Claus.
Tickets for the festival can be purchased at festivaloftreesutah.org or at the door at Mountain America Expo Center, 9575 State Street, Sandy. Prices run from $5 to $40.
Event hours are from 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 5 and 6 and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 7.
