Santa Gives – and
Receives – the Gift of Joy
For Wayne Murray, the chance to light up children’s faces by
playing Santa Claus at MD Anderson’s Proton Therapy Center is a way to give
back, as well as one of the greatest gifts he receives every year.
History
A few days before Christmas in 2009, Murray completed
successful treatment for prostate cancer at the Proton Therapy Center. During
his visits there, he had seen children waiting their turns for treatment, and
he wondered how he might be able to help make their Christmases brighter. As he
was preparing to be released, he asked a staff member if Santa ever visited the
center.
“I just thought I’d make an offer,” he said. “A few days
later, I was playing Santa, and I’ve been doing it and loving it ever since. It
makes the kids so happy, and that’s what it’s all about.”
A chance to give back
Murray/aka Santa Claus and Mrs. Murray (Mrs. Claus) visit shortly
before Christmas Day, and from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Santa listens to the
children’s wishes for Christmas, gives lots of jolly chuckles and gently coaxes
those who are a little shy.
The week before he arrives, the Proton Therapy Center child
life specialist gives Murray the ages and genders of the children who will be
there the day he visits. Then members of his real estate agency staff (WEICHERT,
REALTORS® - Wayne Murray Properties) work with employees of Weichert Mobility
Workforce, a division of the Weichert Family of Companies, to buy gifts, always
making sure they have enough so that every child at the center, including
patients’ siblings, receive something special from Santa. It’s grown into one
of the company’s most important annual events.
“Giving is one of our top priorities,” he said. “As a
company, it’s important to give back; you can’t just take. And we have been so
fortunate.”
Smiles for the young
– and the young at heart
Each child receives a photo with Santa, present in hand.
It’s signed, “You’ve been good this year, and I’ll see you on Christmas Eve.”
Murray has been amazed by the response Santa gets from
children of all ages.
“It really is kids from 1 to 92, like the song says,” he
said. “Just seeing Santa brings a smile to everyone’s face, even older people.
And that makes me feel really great.”
