Children’s Miracle Network Miracle Child lights up Christus Mother Frances Hospital Christmas tree

Published 10:00 am Thursday, December 7, 2023

The Christmas tree at Christus Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler shined bright Wednesday evening after the 2024 Children’s Miracle Network Miracle Child performed the special duty of lighting the tree. Four-year-old River Hardy pressed the button as his father Kaleb Hardy held him.

“It’s been a real blessing,” River’s mom Kyla Hardy said.

The hospital organization is a special place for the Hardy family, as Christus is where River was able to get the care he needed. He was born prematurely and was in the neonatal intensive care unit until he was able to go home.

His doctor Dr. David Osteen, pediatrician at the Children’s Care Clinic for children with special health care needs, noticed he was not reaching his growth expectations and diagnosed him with Cerebral Palsy.

Despite challenges he’s faced, River is described as a “joyous” child with an infectious energy.

“He’s just outstanding,” said Anne Pileggi, Christus Trinity Mother Frances Chief Operating Officer. “Despite his small size, I think the first thing that you’ll notice is his great big smile.”

At Wednesday’s ceremony, people gathered to watch the St. Gregory Cathedral School third grade choir and Bishop T.K. Gorman High School choir sing before the tree lighting. Outside, vendor Travelin Tom’s Coffee provided hot chocolate. Some Bishop Gorman High School students helped out as elves while others stood in front of tables with reindeer feed.

“I want to thank the Lord our God for this beautiful evening,” said Andy Navarro, Vice President Mission Integration at Christus Trinity Mother Frances. “It’s cool, it’s chilly, but we got the heaters going and you got hot cocoa and hot coffee. So let’s just all raise a round of applause with our hearts and our hands to God for this night.”

After the tree was lit, Santa came down from a helicopter and families were able to get pictures with him. River was the first to get pictures with Santa. He enjoyed seeing Santa Claus again after lighting the City of Tyler’s tree Tuesday downtown, Kyla said.

Keviesha Lacy, Christus Mother Frances director of education, has been attending the tree lighting for three years but brought her daughter for the first time. Her daughter excitedly waited in line to get pictures with Santa.

Lacy enjoys seeing the community come together.

“Between our staff and our community, it’s really nice to be able to bring the two together to enjoy it,” Lacy said. “Sometimes it can be a hard time for some people so being able to relive the Christmas joy and the fun parts, it’s wonderful [and] for our patients as well.”