LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- It's the season of family, food and fun, but many people stuck in the hospital during the holidays miss out on time with loved ones.
One Louisville family is serving up holiday spirit at UofL Hospital downtown by honoring someone they are missing from their own table.
Brothers Alex and Tommy Gift with their mother, Mary Jane Gift. She died of an aggressive form of breast cancer in 2010. Now the brothers have set up a fund at UofL Hospital in downtown Louisville, Ky. in her honor. (Image courtesy of the Gift family) Nov. 23, 2023
"She was amazing, and she loved Thanksgiving," said Alex Gift.
His mother, Mary Jane Gift loved everything from cooking to traveling, but in 2010, she lost her life to an aggressive form of breast cancer.
"We miss her every day -- especially around the holidays. It's tough," he said.
To honor her memory, Mary Jane Gift's two sons set up a fund for patients at UofL Hospital.
Tommy Gift said the money is used for housing, transportation by those who need treatment but don't have a place stay.
On Thanksgiving, the brothers make an extra effort for some of the patients going through the most aggressive treatments.
"We cater in a fully prepared thanksgiving dinner for everybody here at the bone marrow transplant unit," Tommy Gift said.
This year, the brothers bought lunch for 15 patients and families. It's a tradition they've upheld for about a decade, and it makes a difference for patients like Stephen Ehlers.
"I'm very thankful for them. I'd rather be at home, but it makes this more bearable," Ehlers said.
Twins Gracie and Grayson Gift help their father, Alex Gift, and uncle, Tommy Gift, serve a Thanksgiving meal to patients at UofL Hospital in downtown Louisville, Ky. The effort honors their grandmother, Mary Jane Gift, who died of an aggressive form of breast cancer. (WDRB Image) Nov. 23, 2023
The Gifts are passing down the spirit of giving for generations to come by bringing Alex's seven-year-old twins Gracie and Grayson to share in their grandmother's memory. .
The brothers will cater another meal this Christmas for more patients. If you'd like to donate to the Mary Jane Gift Fund, click here.
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