Advocate, Chicago Bears Brighten the Holiday for Orland Park Family

Advocate Health Care and the Chicago Bears teamed up to brighten the holiday for a grieving family in need, and give them a Christmas they won’t ever forget.

Kimberly Morris, 33, an Orland Park native and a mother of four, recently welcomed a baby girl, Malika, to the world in November. However, seven days later, she tragically lost her 12-year-old son, Jayden, to a rare and aggressive cancer. His 13th birthday would have been on Christmas Day. Kimberly also has two other sons, Quinn (10) and Carter (16).

Advocate and the Bears learned about the recent hardships the family has endured and decided to make this holiday one to remember. Kimberly thought she was going in for a normal checkup Tuesday morning at Advocate South Suburban in Hazel Crest, but instead walked into a Bears/Christmas-themed decorated room where her family, team members and staff were waiting to surprise them.

The Bears, along with long snapper Patrick Scales, and Advocate surprised Kimberly, her partner, Willie Mazie, and the rest of their kids with presents, gift cards to restaurants, grocery, baby and clothing stores, Bears gear, signed memorabilia and much more Tuesday morning at Advocate South Suburban in Hazel Crest. They even received tickets to Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals.

Kimberly immediately was moved to tears while holding hands with her 4-year-old daughter, Moella, who became the star of the show as her face lit up while opening presents. It’s been a difficult month, to say the least, for the family after the wave of emotions they’ve experienced.

“Jayden was just the sweetest boy and we miss him so much,” Morris said. “I’m so glad (Malika and Jayden) were able to meet before he passed. This is just a blessing. I truly appreciate the Advocate team, the Bears and everyone here today.”

Latanya Cross, a medical assistant who is a part of Kimberly’s care team, was there for the surprise and was the first to greet her off the elevator. She has been there every step of the way for Kimberly.

“I could never imagine what she went through,” Cross said. “I just love seeing her and her kids, the smiles on their faces and tears of joy from everyone. She has been through so much and I’m just glad they were able to make this happen for her family.”