He was operated on when he was just 12 days old for a brain tumor. And now the little one, even after six months of chemotherapy, can celebrate his first year of life.

This is the wonderful news that comes from the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh, where the baby, Joey, was taken by his parents and in the company of his older sister to turn on the Christmas tree lights. A symbolic gesture to give joy and hope to the little ones who have to spend the holidays in the hospital.

Mom Sam told Evening Edinburgh News that her world was "shattered" just last December, when her newborn son was diagnosed with a brain tumor. The only hope is two surgeries, performed on the newborn before Christmas and with an excellent course. Surgeons removed 98% of the tumor, then chemotherapy did the rest.

The remission of the disease was announced on July 27 last and since then the little one has undergone periodic checks.

To welcome Joey to the hospital today many other children, with families and staff of the facility, a musical performance and a giant tree, which magically lit up after the touch of the child.

(Unioneonline / vl)