Children with cancer ask the Three Wise Men for health and hope in a touching meeting.

In a moving encounter at the Mexican Association of Assistance to Children with Cancer (Amanc), children and young people suffering from cancer have raised their requests to the Three Kings, not in search of toys, but for health. Jorge Martínez, a 17-year-old diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma, is one of them. Standing in front of a decorated altar, he prays fervently for his recovery, a plea that reflects the daily struggle he faces since his life changed drastically less than a year ago. Jorge's story is just one among many in this refuge, where little warriors like him share their challenges and hopes. Miguel, a 16-year-old, has been battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia for three and a half years, a time marked by 120 chemotherapy sessions that have brought him to the brink of death on several occasions. Despite the adversity, Miguel has maintained his spirit and has even managed to complete middle school during his treatment, showing admirable resilience. Meanwhile, in the waiting room, Randy, a five-year-old boy, plays and laughs, unaware of the serious illness that also afflicts him: acute lymphoblastic leukemia. His mother, Jazmín, clings to the hope that the Day of Kings will bring them some joy, even as her heart feels heavy with the difficulties they face. “I don’t know if the Kings will come to our house or here, but I have faith,” she remarks, revealing the delicate balance between hope and worry that they live with daily. The holiday season, far from being a time of celebration, becomes a period of great emotional burden for the mothers of these children. María Guadalupe Lugo, Jorge's mother, confesses that the arrival of these dates brings her profound sadness. After spending Christmas in the refuge, where the dinner consisted of chicken and spaghetti, her greatest wish this January 6 is for her son to regain his health, although a gift like a tablet or a drone would also brighten his day. The stories of the mothers are ones of struggle and resilience. Jazmín shares that, despite the adversities, she has found invaluable support in María Guadalupe. Both have forged a deep connection as they face the pain of watching their children fight against cancer. Jazmín notes that the winter cold has further complicated Randy's health, who recently developed pneumonia. However, Randy's childlike spirit remains alive, waiting for a toy in his shoe. Miguel's story, on the other hand, is overwhelming. His mother, Angélica, recalls moments when hope seemed to completely fade away. In a heartbreaking episode, the doctor informed her that he had lost his life during one of his chemotherapy sessions. This experience is a testament to the intense suffering that accompanies these families, who face a path filled with uncertainties day by day. The leaders of Amanc, Covadonga Prieto Peláez and Iliana Orea, emphasize the importance of creating a supportive and solidarity-filled environment in this refuge. They and their team provide not only accommodation and food but also psychological support to the children and their families. However, the reality is that the number of patients at the DIF Children's Hospital increases during this time of year, putting pressure on the resources and capacity of the refuge. In this context, donations become essential for the survival of Amanc. Covadonga emphasizes that although the refuge has 18 rooms, the need to share spaces becomes inevitable when there are more patients than can be accommodated. “We know when they arrive, but not when they leave,” she says, reflecting the uncertainty that these families live with and the refuge's commitment to not leaving anyone behind. Iliana, as an oncology psychologist, also plays a crucial role in helping the children and their mothers face the reality of cancer. She stresses that, despite the diagnosis seeming devastating, early detection can make a difference in the lives of these little ones. “It’s important for them to know that they can be cured,” she states, offering a ray of hope that counters the fear often associated with this disease. This Day of Kings, Jorge, Miguel, and Randy, along with their families, not only long for material gifts but for what truly matters: health, strength, and the opportunity to continue their lives. In a world where the fight against cancer is tough and full of challenges, the love and solidarity, both among them and from those around them, become the true gift they hope to receive. As the Three Kings approach, the real miracle everyone desires is healing and the hope for a brighter future.