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Help for Mom battling cancer after devastating fire

Posted at 2:55 PM, Dec 13, 2016
and last updated 2016-12-14 14:53:02-05

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - A woman battling cancer, thanks News 3 viewers for helping put some cheer back in Christmas.

In a hotel room serving as a makeshift home, pink and white Christmas ornaments adorn a humble Christmas tree. Christina McManama and her family live there after a devastating fire took her home the weekend before Thanksgiving.

"The world's not going to stop because our house caught on fire and we don't have anything," said McManama.

The fire isn't the only thing threatening a merry Christmas. McNanama is also battling breast cancer.

"Christmas is not gonna be what Christmas normally is. We're going to make it great don't get me wrong," said McManama.

After News 3's first story aired, viewers took action to help the family. A team of Bon Secours employees, including Jackie Longworth, Jessica Hare and Pat Schultz came together to present McManama and her family with $600 worth of gift cards. But it wasn't just the money warming Christina's heart.

"The fact they sat there and talked to me and the hug they gave me at the end, meant more than the gift cards. It meant somebody cared," said McManama.

The Bon Secours employees said they enjoyed getting to connect with McNanama. "I think that's what it's all about and that's what our director is great at doing to bring people together to make them feel valuable. And they are valuable."

McManama said she is beyond grateful for all the help she and her family has gotten and it's her silver lining in all the tragedy.