At UNM Children's Hospital, young patient Lexi Hargrove celebrates her birthday and Thanksgiving with the support of hospital staff and student athletes, bringing joy to a challenging time.

Lexi, who is spending the holiday at the hospital, is surrounded by caregivers who have chosen to be with her instead of their own families.

"We are with them in the hard times," Alicia Sanchez, a hospital staff member, said. "Lexi was very scared when she went to the operating room for the first time. I was able to explain to her who she's gonna meet, where she's going to go for the biopsy, how she's going to fall asleep with the anesthesia, and then, where she's going to be when she wakes up, and assure her that mom and dad will be right there with her as she's waking up."

In the UNMH Child Life wi

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