National and chapter news

Mayo Medical School Winter Warmth Festival

Created to touch the lives of those who are affected by childhood cancer, the third annual Winter Warmth Festival was held from on January 9, 2010, at the Church of St. John the Evangelist school gymnasium in Rochester, Minnesota. Children battling cancer and their families to enjoy a day of stress-free fun-filled excitement and laughter, where they can come together, support one another, and provide encouragement for each other.

The day of "carnival fun" was complete with a dragon inflatable bouncy house, a huge monster truck inflatable slide, face-painting, fake tattoos, balloon-hats, cotton-candy, goo-making, "fishing," a bean-bag toss, therapy-dogs, wonderful food, coloring, and a magic show. More than 100 people from the community and 40 medical student volunteers attended.

This event continues to gain support from the community, evident from the generous donations of food from local businesses. The Winter Warmth Festival is a collaboration of the AΩA, Mayo Medical School student body, Brighter Tomorrows Organization, and Camp Jornada.

Crystal Pruitt and Amy Rabatin