Cancer Patient Dresses Up, Spreads Holiday Cheer At Hospital

JOHNS CREEK, GA -- A patient at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University at Emory Johns Creek Hospital is using her creativity to spread holiday cheer to other patients undergoing chemotherapy. Naomi Ziva, 44, has stage IV metastatic colorectal cancer and recently dressed up as the Grinch.

Her friend, Jennifer, disguised herself as Cindy Lou-who from Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” and the pair passed out gifts to patients and staff before Ziva’s chemotherapy treatment.

“As bad as many of us feel during chemo sessions, when I dress up in costume, I feel it’s like taking a break from having cancer,” says Ziva. “If I can bring a smile to someone’s face by doing this, it makes all the difference.”

Ziva was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in June 2016. After two chemotherapy infusion treatments, Ziva and her friend decided to dress up as superheroes. Since then, Naomi has shown up for almost every chemotherapy treatment as a different character and passed out flowers. She has dressed up as the lamp shade from “A Christmas Story,” Slash from Guns N’ Roses, a WWE wrestler, Wonder Woman and Madonna, among many others.

“Patients really look forward to seeing Naomi and what she’s going to come up with next,” said Ashley Kennedy, Winship at Emory Johns Creek Hospital nurse manager.

Ziva added she’s thankful for the care she’s received at Winship at Emory Johns Creek.

“When I came to Winship in Johns Creek a year ago, I immediately became friends with the people here," Ziva said. "Without hesitation, they’re here when I need them. They’re like family."

Ziva said she hopes other patients who are fighting similar battles will ask for help if they need it and try to remain positive on their uphill journey.

“There are days when I say, ‘I can’t do this’ but, you must do your best to find your smile,” says Ziva. “There’s a million things about cancer that will push you to be defeated, but it’s up to you to be happy."

For more information about cancer treatment at Winship, call 888-946-7447 or visit www.winshipcancer.emory.edu.

Images via Emory Johns Creek Hospital