Sick Boy Donates Toys to UCLA Hospital to Return Cherished Holiday Spirit

Since he was born, 11-year-old Casey Abrams has been in and out of Mattel Children's Hospital UCLA in Los Angeles to treat a rare intestinal disease.

Having spent so many special days — holidays, birthdays — at the hospital, Casey knew five years ago he wanted to spread holiday cheer for the other sick kids. He began collecting toys for them, and he hasn't stopped.

On Monday, Casey delivered over 1,000 toys to the Chase Child Life program at UCLA in his 5th annual toy drive.

"I'm doing it because I experienced what it felt like to be in a hospital for Christmas and I want to bring them the same joy the hospital brought me," said Casey, whose disease is progressive and degenerative.

The donated toys were collected from community members, Brownie troop 60715, car and motorcycle clubs and other groups, according to a press release.

The Chase Child Life program distributes toys during the holidays, for patients' birthdays and when they undergo surgery.

Chase Child Life director Kellye Carroll said it was "really great to have a prize or something at the end" of a procedure. Carroll estimated Casey's contribution is one of the program's biggest.

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