UCMC Trauma Team brings joy to needy children

CINCINNATI - Nothing brings a smile faster than children and music.

The children at TCP World Academy proved that as they put on a concert for some very special visitors: the doctors and staff from the Trauma Department of the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

Their singing brought members of the team to tears.

Why are they so special?

For four years, the UCMC trauma team has been sponsoring Christmas for the academy's neediest students.

"The best part for us is being here," said Rich Branson, a professor of surgery.

Thirty students from kindergarten through sixth grade are identified by the school, and the team goes shopping from wish lists the kids provide.

"We try really hard to get the kids something they want," said Branson. "But we also try to make sure that kids who don't have coats or shoes...that they get the things that they need."   

And of course, there are toys.
    
"Everybody wants a gift at Christmas," Branson said. "Nobody just wants a coat."

 And the gifts are truly a two-way street.

What the kids give the trauma team, who usually spend their days dealing with tragedy and death, is the joy of basking in their happiness.

"It's just worth it, time and time again," said Branson.