TAMPA — Kids struggling with cancer, unable to go home for the holidays celebrated early at Tampa General hospital. Firefighters with Tampa Fire Rescue surprised them with gifts, and a look at the fire truck and everything inside.
Jeremiah Williams has been in and out of Tampa General hospital since he was a baby. His interests are the same as any other 12-year-old boy.
"I like to watch Disney Pixar movies. I’m 12, January is my birthday and I like cars," he said smiling.
He wants to be a paramedic when he grows up - sometimes working side by side in the field with firefighters like the ones from Tampa Fire Rescue. His favorite part about this visit was the fire truck and of course, all of the gifts picked out personally by the firefighters.
"I try to get them that gift that is the most popular gift of the year, that everybody is hoarding. I try to do that," said Warren Gibbs, the engineer of the truck.
He says seeing these kids smile and laugh, makes all the weeks of organization worth it.
"It is the best to be able to see these kids smile and laugh and come out of their comfort zone and want to get up in the truck," he said.
Some kids couldn't make it outside so the gifts were carted up to the 5th floor and handed out room by room. Brian Lopez Acosta got a basketball and a mini basketball hoop game - he's hoping to get home soon.
