LITTLE ROCK — Alicia Bowker, an 7-year-old cancer survivor from Pea Ridge, was one of 70 pediatric cancer patients and families visited by Santa Claus at the annual CARTI Kids Christmas Party held Nov. 22 at the Scimitar Shrine Temple in Little Rock.

Following her cancer diagnosis, Bowker received treatment earlier this year at CARTI/ UAMS in Little Rock.

She is the daughter of Heather Bowker of Pea Ridge.

CARTI Kids attending the Christmas party ranged in age from 2-18 years old, coming from all across Arkansas and even as far away as Missouri and Texas for the celebration. Santa delivered presents to each CARTIKid and his or her siblings with the assistance of his “elf-for-a-day,” Mrs. Arkansas 2009 Nicole Knapp of Conway.

CARTI Kids are current and former pediatric cancer patients who serve as a network of support and encouragement to others.

“CARTI is the primary radiation therapy provider in Arkansas for the treatment of pediatric cancer patients,” said Mary Machen, CARTI Director of Community Outreach and CARTI Kids program director.

“Having the opportunity to bring these young survivors together each year is the best gift we could ever hope to offer the families of those who are going through, or who have gone through, the cancer diagnosis of a child.”

“At the CARTI Kids Christmas Party, we celebrate much more than the holidays,” Machen said. “We celebrate survivorship, and we celebrate life.”

In addition to the annual Christmas party, CARTI Kids also participate in other CARTI-sponsored activities throughout the year such as summer tripsand weekend retreats.

CARTI is a nonprofit radiation therapy center with facilities located Arkansas in Little Rock on the St. Vincent, Baptist Medical Center and UAMS campuses, as well as in Conway, Mountain Home, North Little Rock, and Searcy.

School, Pages 6 on 12/23/2009