"We bring holiday joy and fun to families fighting cancer!"

It was a sad Christmas the year Jackie Culley's son's cancer came back. But when she helped a friend also battling cancer, she not only gave her friend's family a Christmas to remember, her own heart filled with joy-and a desire to bring holiday cheer to other cancer families too

- Bill Holton

Holiday music filled the air as Jackie Culley and her new friend, Dani Madsen, sat down for lunch in the festively decorated restaurant. But neither woman was feeling the Christmas spirit. The two had met through Jackie's hairstylist-Dani's sister-in-law-who felt they could offer each other much-needed comfort and support.

Jackie's 20-year-old son, Riley, had been diagnosed with bone cancer when he was 17. Treatment had put him in remission, but the cancer had recently returned and this time, there was no hope. And an inoperable brain tumor meant this Christmas would likely be Dani's last.

"I wish I could take my husband and kids on a special holiday getaway," Dani said. "Unfortunately, my doctors said I can't travel too far."

Instantly, Jackie got an idea. Her South Jordan, Utah, family had a cabin in nearby Bear Lake.

"You're welcome to use it," she offered.

"That would be wonderful!" Dani beamed.

Driving home, Jackie's mind swam with possibilities. "Let's give them a real celebration," she told her husband, Paul, and kids, Mallory, Riley and Levi.

"This is fun!" Mallory said as they wrapped gifts for Dani, her husband, and their three kids.

"Bigger!" Levi insisted when the family went tree shopping. Then two days before Christmas, they spent a fun-filled day decking out the cabin.