Cancer survivor, 5, uplifts others with ornaments

MARYSVILLE – A 5-year-old cancer survivor in a red dress with a bow was just the early Christmas present people at Providence Regional Cancer Partnership in Everett needed Tuesday.

Reese and parents Josh and Kelly Estes visited the oncology department to provide hope to the patients and uplift the nurses and doctors. They gave out homemade Christmas ornaments. They were going to do the same Ornaments for Oncology visits at Seattle Children’s Hospital, where Reese was treated, and also at the Polyclinic in Seattle.

They ran out of ornaments, which were painted by Reese and her sister Ella, as Kelly said they didn’t know how big the facility was. “We’ll bring more next year,” she said.

Even those who didn’t get ornaments had their pictures taken with Reese and Santa, who helped to spread good cheer.

Nurse Debbie Powell, who helped facilitate the visit, said the Esteses accomplished just what they wanted to.

“Some of the nurses and patients were even in tears visiting with Reese” and hearing about her recovery, Powell said.

Kelly added, “I don’t plan on stopping. We will definitely be doing it year after year.”