‘A Night of Lights’ holiday tradition held at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital

“When she visits us for her treatments she keeps the staff laughing and on their toes. She is always a joy to be around,” said Tracey Blalock, Chief Nursing Executive for Atrium Health Navicent.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – It was ‘A Night of Lights’ Friday at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital.

A Night of Lights is one of Atrium’s annual holiday traditions and this year’s tradition began with a performance from Saint Joseph’s Catholic School Choir lead by Music/Choir Director Pamela White followed by various hospital staff speakers and the introduction and the lighting of the Children’s Tree by 12-year-old Jaziyah Robinson, a current cancer patient.

Jaziyah Robinson was first diagnosed with a rare form of cancer known as synovial sarcoma at just 10-years-old. She rang the bell in September 2023, but earlier this year cancer spread to her lungs and she had to restart treatment. She has since finished said treatment and is currently about to go on a skiing trip for the first time while waiting for further studies in January.

Tracey Blalock, Chief Nursing Executive for Atrium Health Navicent introduced Jaziyah Robinson and talked about various things she likes to do and her personality.

“She is known as Jaz or Jazzy and some days sassy Jazzy,” Blalock said.

“When she visits us for her treatments she keeps the staff laughing and on their toes. She is always a joy to be around,” she said.

Starr Purdue, Chair of the Atrium Health Navicent Board, began the ceremony by talking about the reason they light the tree every year.

“There are so many who face health challenges and for whom this time of year can be especially tough. Tonight, we’re here to share in an annual holiday tradition of lighting the Children’s Tree that serves as a symbol of hope in our community. By lighting the Children’s Tree, we recognize our brave young patients who receive care here at our doctors offices and in our children’s hospital and we also recognize their loved ones. We also celebrate our teammates who have shown continued dedication to the patients and to the patients’ loved ones and we can’t leave out our community. We always want to thank our community because they continuously support us,” said Purdue.

“My hope for each of you tonight is that you have this beautiful time this season to share with those who are very tender and joyful and blessed and meaningful in your life. That you have that opportunity to spend time with them, to love, to laugh, and to make wonderful memories,” said Reverend Sean Beck, who does Pastoral Care for Atrium Health Navicent.

“So far in 2024, our 24/7 Pediatric Emergency Center has offered care to more than 19,000 children. We’ve also performed nearly 2000 surgeries and more than 6400 outpatient visits. We’re truly proud to be Central and South Georgia’s only dedicated children’s hospital, and we thank the community and all of you for your trust and support,” said Cynthia Busbee, Chief of Staff at Atrium Health Navicent.