Teen Honored as Special Visitors Greet Children in Georgetown’s Pediatric Oncology Unit

Washington, DC—This holiday season, the children of Georgetown University Hospital’s Pediatric Oncology Unit once again welcomed Santa Claus and several other special guests for a special gift delivery sponsored by the Fairfax County Police Department.

Santa arrived at Georgetown via motorcade and was greeted by a crowd of excited children and Hospital staff. Afterward, Santa and his helpers handed out toys to the children and enjoyed a party with holiday treats.

Santa’s Ride holds special significance for Bari and Bill Gulsby, whose son Dalton received treatment at Georgetown for Ewing’s sarcoma, a type of cancer found in the bone or soft tissue. Dalton and his father Bill, a former commander of the Sully District Police Station, helped bring the event to GUH several years ago and with it, many smiles to many children’s faces and hearts. Sadly, Dalton died in August 2010 at the age of 16. In memory of him, Bari Gulsby along with several of Dalton’s friends accompanied Santa Claus this year to hand out toys to the children at Georgetown.

“I remember the first year Santa rode up to Georgetown on his motorcycle,” said Bari Gulsby. “The snow was falling lightly. The children were lined up, noses and hands pressed on the cold windows in the atrium, their eyes as big as dinner plates. This same atmosphere has continued for the past seven years. Thank you to Fairfax PD and GUH for allowing this event to continue. We are so blessed to have both of these organizations in our lives.”

Media Contact: Marianne Worley
Phone: 703-558-1287
Email: WorleyM@gunet.georgetown.edu

Patient Contact: 202-342-2400