Giving Joy and Hope as “BMT Angels”

For many years, Saint James students have helped make the Christmas party for the UAB Bone Marrow Transplant Unit patients and their families a huge success.

This year, the entire school will band together to provide Christmas presents to patients in the unit, whose families are often so physically and financially strained during their treatment that Christmas gifting becomes difficult.

It was an honor to have Kaitlyn Johnson and Sharon Jones, both RN’s with the unit, visit us and host assemblies for our elementary, middle, and high school students to discuss the program as well as how we can serve as “BMT Angels!"

Sophie Shoults and Jesse Johnson, both 5th graders, are excited to buy for a little girl.  Sophie said “I want to get her a stuffed animal that sings ABC’s and 123’s.” Jesse said “I would love to get her a barbie with many outfit changes!”

Our Learning Specialist, Joann Reifenberg, and her husband, Ed, have ensured for years that Saint James students are involved with this project.  Ed, who was treated in the UAB unit, is in his 20th year of remission!

This project, one of our many community service projects our students participate in each year, is such a special way for our students to have the opportunity to give back to someone in need and learn the wonderful lesson of compassion.

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