Posted 11:23 pm Thursday, November 29, 2012
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ETMC celebrates annual tree lighting ceremony
Staff Reports
East Texas Medical Center welcomed the Christmas season Tuesday evening with Santa, his reindeer, carolers and the annual lighting of its tree.
It was the 25th year for the tradition, but the illuminated living tree has been part of the festivities since it was planted three years ago as part of a Tyler tree initiative, headed by Mayor Barbara Bass, according to a news release from ETMC.
Each year, a patient with a special story has the honor of lighting the tree. This year, the distinction went to Whitehouse fourth-grader Jason Ackery.
According to ETMC, Ackerly has type 1 diabetes, which causes his body not to produce insulin, a hormone needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy for daily life. Only 5 percent of people with diabetes have this form. Ackerly attended the ETMC Diabetes Boot Camp for kids with the disease.
It was the 25th year for the tradition, but the illuminated living tree has been part of the festivities since it was planted three years ago as part of a Tyler tree initiative, headed by Mayor Barbara Bass, according to a news release from ETMC.
Each year, a patient with a special story has the honor of lighting the tree. This year, the distinction went to Whitehouse fourth-grader Jason Ackery.
According to ETMC, Ackerly has type 1 diabetes, which causes his body not to produce insulin, a hormone needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy for daily life. Only 5 percent of people with diabetes have this form. Ackerly attended the ETMC Diabetes Boot Camp for kids with the disease.
Ackerly attends Brown Elementary and received perfect attendance awards since kindergarten. He is a member of the National Elementary Honor Society, Cub Scouts and the Dayspring Methodist Church. He said he enjoys piano, tennis and karate, according to ETMC information.
When he grows up, Ackerly said he wants to be a doctor who helps children with diabetes.
He is the son of Liisa and Paul Acklerly, has a twin sister named Michelle and has two older sisters, Kayla and Kristina.
The Brook Hill Lower School Cadet Singers provided musical entertainment during the event under the direction of Kelly Simmon.
When he grows up, Ackerly said he wants to be a doctor who helps children with diabetes.
He is the son of Liisa and Paul Acklerly, has a twin sister named Michelle and has two older sisters, Kayla and Kristina.
The Brook Hill Lower School Cadet Singers provided musical entertainment during the event under the direction of Kelly Simmon.
