Christmas came knocking at 4-year-old Ashley’s door, delivering the gift of joy and holiday cheer.

Ashley lives with a rare terminal condition, but on Tuesday, she received a special holiday visit from her MJHS Hospice and Palliative Care team. Dressed in festive costumes, the clinicians sang Christmas songs, shared laughter and brought a wrapped gift to Ashley.

“Last year, the day before Christmas, she got sick, and we had to go to the hospital, so we didn’t celebrate Christmas" said Ashley's mom, Ingrid Camacho-Lopez. “Now we are praying that she will be good so we can celebrate at home.”

This year, the MJHS team has cared for 62 pediatric hospice patients, offering essential support to families during their most trying times. The holiday visits are an effort to bring happiness and create cherished memories.

“Children that we know are going to pass away is difficult, and it shouldn’t happen, but it does,” said Nicole Gingerella, a pediatric nurse practitioner with MJHS Hospice. “They still deserve to be happy and celebrate, and the families deserve it, too.”

Ashley’s mother says the unpredictability of her daughter’s condition makes moments like this all the more meaningful.

"It makes us feel good, that we are not alone," she said.