'Sharing the Joy' from a hospital bed

AURORA - The Stratton family knows what normal feels like; they just don't feel it every day anymore.

For more than a year now, they've been spending most of their time in hospitals with 9-year-old Caroline.

Doctors discovered Caroline's brain tumor just over a year ago. Her parents took her to the doctor for what they thought was swimmer's ear.

Lynette Stratton says she never dreamed she'd hear her daughter had cancer.

After driving three hours one way to a hospital in Texas, the Stratton family moved to Colorado Springs to get them closer to The Children's Hospital in Aurora.

Caroline's father, Chris, is a squadron commander with the Air Force.

Caroline, her sisters and brother have spent several weeks at Children's where they pass the time watching movies, playing games and doing artwork.

Two pieces of Caroline's artwork were chosen to be part of the "Share the Joy" holiday card project that benefits The Children's Hospital Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.

This year, the cards feature the art of patients that range in age from 4-17 years old.

You can purchase the cards online at www.holidaycardproject.org, or in the hospital gift shop, or by calling 720-777-6286 or 800-624-6553 ext. 6286.