Soldiers pay special hospital visit to sick kids for holidays

ALTADENA, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A kidney stone scare is keeping 10-year-old Leukemia patient Karah Casas in the City of Hope National Medical Center for the holidays.

At times, she feels down because she would like to be home with her family.

But today, she got an exceptional present.

Army soldiers from the 916 support brigade in Fort Irwin paid her and other kids who are very ill at the hospital a special visit. The soldiers want the kids to remember that they're not battling an illness alone.

"They are fighters just like the army people are," Capt. Roger Sun said. "It's very young that they have to deal with this, but they are a survivor and we want to encourage them."

While the soldiers' visit may motive some people to come out and do the same, that's not possible. A visiting group like the soldiers is a special treat because infection control in the hospitals is a big concern.

"Our kids are immunocompromised and basically what that means is they're really prone to infection," said Toni Carreras-Irwin, a recreational therapist at the hospital.

Carreras said stuffed animals and flowers cannot be given to very sick patients and that what young patients love are gifts that stimulate their minds.

"Just newly wrapped toys or gift cards for the young adults, and movies are always fun. Games are fun. Those are things that kind of keep them busy, keep their mind off of being in the hospital," she said.

What patients like Karah appreciate most is knowing people care.