NATIONAL NEWS

Alabama Neighborhood Starts Christmas Early For Terminally Sick Girl In Her Final Weeks

Nov 22, 2020, 5:00 PM | Updated: Dec 6, 2022, 11:50 pm

Morgan Cheek, mother of twins Ally and Bailey Grace, said the early Christmas lights have been a so...

Morgan Cheek, mother of twins Ally and Bailey Grace, said the early Christmas lights have been a source of literal light in a dark time. (Courtesy: Cheek family)

(Courtesy: Cheek family)

(CNN) — When neighbors found out that 7-year-old Ally Cheek’s health was declining and she might not live through the holidays, they decided to start Christmas early in Vestavia Hills, Alabama.

Her neighborhood banded together in early November to light up their homes so Ally and her family could celebrate Christmas together one more time.

Ally has a rare genetic mutation, called HECW2, which creates special developmental needs that have been getting progressively worse. It is so rare there are only about 50 diagnosed patients in the world. One of those patients was her twin sister, Bailey Grace, who passed away last year.

The girls’ mother, Morgan Cheek, said the Christmas lights have been a source of literal light in a dark time.

“For me, in seven and a half years of twins with medically fragile needs, and burying my first child, and then starting hospice with my second daughter shortly after … I think having that reminder from so many people that the light does always shine in the darkness has just been such a beautiful reminder for us as a family,” Cheek told CNN.

Cheek said the flurry of early decorating came about after she told a neighbor that Ally was continuing to decline but wanted to see the Christmas lights one more time.

“I think we’re actually going to put up our Christmas lights this week, so don’t judge us if you see our lights up,” she remembers saying.

Just an hour later, the neighbor came back to say that several more families on their street loop also wanted to put up lights early. Others in their close-knit community started asking if they could follow suit, and soon the entire neighborhood was filled with Christmas joy in November — with many houses putting Ally’s name in lights.

Spreading Christmas joy even in difficult times

After photos of the twinkling neighborhood and the hashtag #LightingTheLoop went viral, other neighborhoods across the country chimed in with their own early Christmas cheer in honor of the Cheek family.

“The next thing I know, I’ve got Christmas wreaths coming in from Italy and Spain and Peru and Switzerland,” Cheek told CNN, adding that families of all faiths have shown them support by decorating.

The Christmas spirit also made it to actress Kristen Bell (she portrayed Princess Anna in “Frozen,” one of Ally’s favorite musical movies) who lit up her tree with a heart for Ally.

“I am thinking of you, and hoping that you are cozy and happy and in your parents’ arms,” Bell said in a video message to the 7-year-old girl. Ally’s mom said she recognized Bell’s voice from the songs in the film.

One neighbor lent the Cheek family their golf cart, so they can ride around her street to see all the lights even as her condition weakens.

“For some reason, music and lights are two things that she continues to be able to enjoy. We have been able to wrap Ally up in like a billion blankets, and get (her brother) in the back and just ride around and listen to Christmas music while Ally gets to see the lights,” said Cheek.

Because of her rare genetic condition, Ally and her sister were never able to walk or speak. Despite suffering from the seizures and food digestion issues that come with Ally’s terminal variant of HECW2, her mom said she is able to interact through waves and hugs, and she can speak with her eyes.

Ally also has a gift for spreading joy with her singing — and seeing the early Christmas cheer has prompted her sing loud for all to hear.

“It’s not the most in tune singing ever, so you can hear it probably from your house,” Cheek said. “I think it’s such a sweet gift for the people who have chosen to put up their lights, because you know when Ally is coming by.”

Grief at the holidays

Cheek has written two books about her family’s story, grief, and the loss of a child. She said being able to help others deal with grief has given her a mission in hard times and given her a way to honor her daughters lives.

“I mean, laugh and cry within in a two-minute span,” Cheek said. “I’ve learned to be able to mourn and rejoice … You have to be able to embrace both in this life.”

November is hospice care month, and the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) has a wealth of online resources for the families of those in hospice care who are dealing with grief and loss, especially surrounding the holiday season.

“Holidays are those times of the year often bring thoughts of families being together and joy and celebration, but when someone has lost a loved one, the feelings of loss can sometimes be emphasized when the holidays come around, even if the loss goes back a while,” said NHPCO spokesman Jon Radulovic.

“One of the best things you can do if you have a friend who might be suffering the loss of a loved one is to be willing to lend an ear and listen to them,” he added. “Sometimes people think that if I don’t mention it, they won’t feel bad, but generally it’s OK to touch base and be honest and direct with loved ones.”

Pandemic casts ‘a larger shadow of grief’

This year, hospice care workers and end-of-life facilities are facing even more difficulties due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“COVID does complicate everything a little bit this year because there’s a larger shadow of grief that has been cast globally, which I think people are just starting to come to terms with,” Radulovic said.

The NHPCO said in a 2020 report that 1.5 million Americans who are on Medicare were enrolled in hospice care for one day or more in 2018, according to the most recent data available.

The organization notes that reliable statistics for children who receive palliative care and hospice care are hard to determine based on current data. The NHPCO estimates that hospice patients under 35 years old made up only 0.8% of those served in 2013 — the most recent year for which data is available.

Cheek said being the parents of children with special needs or children in hospice care makes life both more complicated and more simple.

“It’s more complicated because obviously there’s added appointments and medications and routines and fears and all those things, but it’s less complicated because you start to find joy in the things that really matter,” Cheek said.

She added that the gift of the early Christmas lights for Ally has been incredibly joyful for both the givers and the receivers.

“Our neighbors will tell you it’s been a gift for them too,” Cheek said. “Really at the end of the day, Christmas is about God being with us and in our hearts, and these are the things that we really appreciate the most.”

KSL 5 TV Live

National News

FILE: Actor Louis Gossett Jr. attends the 47th NAACP Image Awards presented by TV One at Pasadena C...

Beth Harris

Louis Gossett Jr., 1st Black man to win supporting actor Oscar, dies at 87

Louis Gossett Jr., the first Black man to win a supporting actor Oscar and an Emmy winner for his role in the seminal TV miniseries “Roots,” has died. He was 87.

52 minutes ago

President Joe Biden speaks in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House, Thursday, Feb. 8, 2...

Farnoush Amiri, Associated Press

House Republicans invite President Biden to testify at public hearing as impeachment inquiry stalls

House Republicans have invited President Joe Biden to testify before Congress on their stalled monthslong impeachment inquiry.

11 hours ago

FILE - Eggs are displayed on store shelves at a local grocery store in Chandler, Ariz., Jan. 21, 20...

Dee-Ann Burrin, AP Business Writer

What’s keeping egg prices high for Easter? It’s not just inflation

Egg prices are at near-historic highs in many parts of the world as Easter and Passover approach.

13 hours ago

Kia has recalled 427,407 of its Telluride SUVs because they can roll away while in park....

Samantha Delouya, CNN

Kia recalls more than 400,000 Telluride SUVs that can move while in park

All Telluride vehicles made between 2020 and 2023 and certain 2024 models are affected by the recall.

13 hours ago

Consumers hunting for Easter eggs and chocolate bunnies this year can expect sticker shock...

John Towfighi, CNN

As cocoa prices soar this Easter, chocolatiers consider alternatives

Consumers hunting for Easter eggs and chocolate bunnies this year can expect sticker shock.

16 hours ago

Post reading "Wall Street"...

Stan Choe, AP Business Writer

Stock market today: Wall Street rises to more records to close out its latest winning month

The stock market has been on a nearly unstoppable run since late October, and the S&P 500 just capped its fifth straight winning month.

17 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Alabama Neighborhood Starts Christmas Early For Terminally Sick Girl In Her Final Weeks