Alaska resident Jens Hildreth, 6, gasps as he picks up his prize from a game during Christmas in July. Hildreth is being treated for relapse neuroblastoma. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Trammell Emanuel, 7, laughs as he plays ladder toss. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Leela Emanuel, 3, high-fives Steve Heintzelman, a volunteer with Michigan Steelheaders Grand Rapids Chapter. "It's all about the kids," Heintzelman said. "If kids are involved, I want to be there helping out. Seeing their faces is what this is all about." (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Cain, a Spectrum Health Security K-9 poses for a photo at the Christmas in July celebration. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Sidney Township resident Luke Cogswell, 4, sits with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus during the Christmas in July celebration. Cogswell will be undergoing brain surgery to remove a cyst. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Kentwood resident Julie Hamann and her daughter Maia, 7, grab some cookies on their way out of the Christmas in July celebration. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Cain chews on his toy during the Christmas in July celebration. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
JaQuinton Roberts, 14, laughs as he plays a fishing game at the Christmas in July celebration. Roberts is being treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Sidney Township resident Luke Cogswell, 4, gives his mother, Lisa, a kiss on the cheek. Cogswell will be undergoing brain surgery to remove a cyst. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Leela Emanuel, 3, looks down as she plays a game during the Christmas in July celebration. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Muskegon resident Trevon Hawkins, 6, picks up a rubber duck during the Christmas in July celebration in the Balk Cafe at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Cain plays tug with Mrs. Claus at Christmas in July. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Jacob Roberts, 11, concentrates as he drops a ball during a game at the Christmas in July celebration. Roberts is being treated for relapse acute lymphoblastic leukemia. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Kentwood resident Julie Hamann sits with her daughter Maia, 7, while making crafts during the Christmas in July celebration. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Michigan Steelheaders Grand Rapids Chapter donated toys, T-shirts and volunteered their time at the Christmas in July celebration. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Sparta resident Stephanie Stanton preps months in advance to help put on a Christmas in July event for the children at the hospital for one simple reason.
The smiles on their faces.
“Yes, this is a lot of work, but I do it to see their faces,” Stanton said.
The West Michigan Walleye Club, Sparta Tasty Treat, Lori’s Voice, and Michigan Steelheaders Grand Rapids Chapter were among some of the people who volunteered to make this event happen this year.
“All these people helping me are my friends,” Stanton said. “I just came to them and asked if they would help me put this together.”
Member of Michigan Steelheaders, Steve Heintzelman of Grand Rapids, loves giving his time, especially when it is for kids.
“This is my first year helping with Christmas in July, but it certainly is not my last,” Heintzelman said. “I will be here next year and the years to follow. If kids are involved, I want to be there helping out. Seeing their faces is what this is all about.”
/a>
/a>
/a>
