The one hundred honoree: Carina Comer

Carina, age 17, remembers the warmth and kindness of the doctors and nurses at the Francis H. Burr Proton Therapy Center who treated her for a brain tumor when she was eight years old. She also remembers what it was like to be in a hospital at Christmas instead of at home with her family in Connecticut. So every Christmas, Carina returns to the center to thank the people who saved her life and raise the spirits of children who are far from home and family. Carina prepares for her annual visits months in advance. She raises thousands of dollars to buy toys and other treats for the children by combining her love of baking and cooking with bake-sales and catering jobs. She arrives laden with gifts and presents them to each child, adding joy and cheer to their holiday.