The holiday season is a time to give back and one 7-year-old El Paso girl is doing just that and it’s inspiring a wave of kindness across the community. 

I love a good feel good story during the holidays, but what makes this story so unique is that Seven-year-old Kenia Marisol Huerta Medina, a patient in Hospice El Paso’s Butterfly Program, is giving back to those in need while she struggles with her health.

Kenia’s holiday wish reminds us that even in the hardest seasons of life, the purest generosity can come from the smallest hands. Through her dream, she is giving El Paso a gift of its own: A reminder that joy grows when it’s shared.

Courtesy: Hospice El Paso

Courtesy: Hospice El Paso

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Hospice El Paso Patient Kenia Spreads Holiday Joy With Toy Drive for Local Children

Kenia is living with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma which is a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the central nervous system. Even as she faces unimaginable challenges, Kenia isn’t focused on herself. She’s focused on joy. Specifically, spreading it.

This year, Kenia wished for something simple but powerful: to collect Christmas toys for underserved children across the region. Her wish, full of love and generosity, has grown into a community-wide toy drive that will culminate in a special celebration on December 10.

Her mother, Juana Medina, shared that this giving spirit is nothing new. “Kenia told me that God placed it in her heart to help children by bringing them joy through a toy,” Juana said. “She dreamed she was already delivering the toys and could see the big smiles on the children’s faces. She hopes that through this, we will all learn the gift of giving.”

Hospice El Paso is the region’s only pediatric hospice, offering specialized support through its Butterfly Program and through this program, Hospice is honored to help bring Kenia’s dream to life. “Kenia’s beautiful wish is an extraordinary act of kindness,” said interim CEO Robert Enriquez. “It reflects the heart of what Hospice El Paso strives to provide comfort, dignity, and moments of joy. We encourage the community to help make her dream a reality.”

Read More: El Paso Families: Here’s Where to Meet Santa for Free This Christ

How to Support Kenia’s Holiday Wish

The community is invited to participate in her toy drive by donating new, unwrapped gifts for children of all ages.

Donation deadline: Tuesday, December 10
Drop-off location: Hospice El Paso: 8515 Lockheed Drive, El Paso, TX 79925
Collection event: Tuesday, December 10 at 10:00 AM

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Gallery Credit: Courtesy: KISS-FM/El Paso Children’s Hospital

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Gallery Credit: Iris Lopez