 Young
Patient Brings Smiles to Others
Although she is only 11, Carina has had her share of troubles.
Four years ago, the little girl from Connecticut was diagnosed
for a second time with a brain tumor and underwent treatment
at MassGeneral CancerCare for Children. Despite her challenges,
Carina has always maintained a sunny outlook, in part because
she focuses on the happiness of others.
For example, with the help of her mother, Karin, she would
often bake cookies and give them to Cancer Center staff when
she’d come for treatments. Last summer, Carina, who
is now doing very well, wrote a letter to her oncology social
worker, Evelyn Malkin, LICSW, saying she wanted to do something
special for other kids who were undergoing treatment.
After seeking Malkin’s advice, Carina decided to share
all the money she raised at her bake and tag sale to buy toys
and other items that would help young cancer patients pass
the time while in the hospital. Much to her delight, Carina
far exceeded her $100 goal and raised more than $400, which
she used to purchase crayons, books, stuffed animals, toys,
and games—all of which she personally selected.
“I had fun doing this,” wrote Carina in the letter
to Malkin that accompanied her much-appreciated donations.
“I know how it feels to be sad and then receive gifts
to make you put on a smile.”
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