LOCAL NEWS

Festival of Trees showcases 11-year-old who persevered against the odds

Nov 29, 2022, 6:50 PM | Updated: 7:59 pm

SANDY, Utah — In the spirit of giving, the Festival of Trees raises money to help patients at Primary Children’s Hospital.

It truly is a gift to see all the beautifully decorated trees in person – for the first time since 2019 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For one Utah family, this year is extra special.

In a sea of unique Christmas trees, Brailey Partida looks for ones with ladybugs.

The 11-year-old is the “Patient Champion of the Festival of the Trees.”

Six years ago, she was life-flighted to Primary Children’s Hospital.

“She was on a riding lawnmower with her grandmother, and she dropped a shoe,” recalled Jacob Partida, Brailey’s dad. “My mother-in-law accidentally backed over her.”

Brailey lost her right leg below her knee. She spent 28 days in the hospital.

“As a parent, the hardest thing is to see your child hurt and struggling because all you can do is be there. You wish it was you,” Jacob said.

Today, he’s grateful to be walking alongside his daughter, and he says it’s all thanks to Primary Children’s Hospital.

“We had social workers. Every resource at our fingertips you could imagine,” Jacob explained. “They have music there. They have pet therapy. They brought in Disney characters.”

The Festival of Trees is a testament to all the volunteers who give their time and talents to create these masterpieces that are auctioned off, with all the proceeds benefitting kids like Brailey.

“Now, six years later, Brailey plays sports. She plays basketball. She plays soccer. She swims in our pool all summer,” said Jacob. “It’ll always have a special place in our heart for our family.

The event kicks off Wednesday, Nov. 30, at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy. Doors open at 10 a.m., and the festival runs through Saturday, Dec. 2.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Police confirmed Monday they were investigating whether the same driver was responsible for multipl...

Andrew Adams

Police investigate whether same driver is responsible for multiple hit-and-runs

Police confirmed Monday they were investigating whether the same driver was responsible for multiple hit-and-run collisions.

1 hour ago

two men sit at a table and look at a phone...

Matt Gephardt

Imposters stealing Utah restaurant names to deceive drivers and customers on food delivery apps

When a popular Provo pizzeria couldn’t get a food delivery app to remove an impostor account, the owners decided to Get Gephardt to investigate.

2 hours ago

The spring homebuying season is here, and realtor Alicia Holdaway says Utah’s housing market is g...

Daniel Woodruff

What’s changing in Utah’s housing market after real estate lawsuit settlement

The spring homebuying season is here, and realtor Alicia Holdaway says Utah’s housing market is getting busy.

3 hours ago

One of Utah County's three commissioners has been battling a tumor causing him to miss a series of ...

Lindsay Aerts

Utah County Commission chair calls for resignation of Tom Sakievich over ability to work

One of Utah County's three commissioners has been battling a tumor causing him to miss a series of recent commission meetings and other county work.

3 hours ago

A Weber County family is mourning the loss of a 28-year-old man killed in a wrong way crash early S...

Garna Mejia

Family grieves the loss of a man killed in Sunday’s wrong-way crash

A Weber County family is mourning the loss of a 28-year-old man killed in a wrong-way crash early Sunday morning.

5 hours ago

The motorcycle accident that happened near 350 South 200 East....

Michael Houck

Motorcyclist crash closes road in Salt Lake City

Police say a critical injury crash involving a motorcyclist has closed a road in downtown Salt Lake City.

5 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

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.

Users display warnings about the use of artificial intelligence (AI), access to malicious software ...

Les Olson

How to Stay Safe from Cybersecurity Threats

Read our tips for reading for how to respond to rising cybersecurity threats in 2023 and beyond to keep yourself and your company safe.

Festival of Trees showcases 11-year-old who persevered against the odds