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Baptist Health Medical Plazas Adopts N4N Families For Holidays

MIAMI (CBS4)- With the holidays around the corner, it's not too late to get into the giving spirit,  and that's just what Baptist Medical Plazas did for one special family from Pembroke Pines.

"We want to move forward, we have our days that we cry. We miss our son. We miss to hear him talking to us and giving us hugs and everything, but we know that he's going to get better" Jenny Zablah, a mother of two tearfully explained to CBS4's Nicole Maristany.

Life changed for the Zablah family just ten months ago.

"Last year, Christopher was an active kindergartener. And sadly, everybody's life changed in a moment", explained Helene Sorcic, a school social worker.

Within the same week, a diagnosis of generic brain disorder for one of their sons, plus an unexpected job loss, brought on years of challenges – challenges, the Zablah's and their oldest son Alex, have met with optimism.

"They have met every challenge of this with such grace, it's humbling to everyone who encounters them", said Sorcic.

Sorcic works at the boys' school and has been helping the family since Christopher's diagnosis.

She knew the Zablah's could use some hope and help this holiday season and submitted them to the Neighbors 4 Neighbors Adopt-A-Family 4 the Holidays Program.

"Ms. Sorcic, saying we want to do something special for you - we see God's love there," said Zablah.

Meanwhile, Baptist Health Medical Plaza at Pembroke Pines logged on and began their search for a family close by, and were moved to adopt the Zablah's. They got in touch with the family, learned what they needed most and began collecting items.

"Just to go out and to get a pair of shoes, and some books, toilet paper, hand towels, hand sanitizers - just basic items that they weren't able to get," explained Tracey Thompson, from Baptist Medical Plaza at Pembroke Pines, adding, "To finally meet them face to face, it was very rewarding."

A rewarding experience not only for the Pembroke Pines location, but for the entire Baptist Family, because the Medical Plaza's adopted 39 families in total.

"Each center took on a family that they adopted and you know you had that impact on several families in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties," said Elizabeth Nasser from Baptist Medical Plaza in Pembroke Pines.

It was an impact felt by the Zablah's who are already looking forward to a great, new year ahead.

"Whatever we're going through maybe one day we can help other families to overcome these situations," said Zablah.

To adopt a family, participate in a toy drive or donate to the Neighbors 4 Neighbors gift card collection, visit neighbors4neighbors.org

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