Christmas Care for Cancer Patients

December 24, 2012, 6:05 pm by Alexandria Randolph

Tim Hunziker of Burnet, left, was one of the many happy patients to receive an Operation Cover a Friend tote by Marble Falls High School senior Katie Bridges, right.

Marble Falls High School senior Katie Bridges may soon be recognized for her charity organization, Operation Cover a Friend, during the upcoming state legislative session.

According to Marble Falls High School Principal Manny Lunoff, State Rep. Harvey Hilderbran made a resolution to honor Bridges when the legislative session opens in January.

"Representatives honor residents in their area on the House floor based on community service or outstanding achievement,” Lunoff said. "I think any time you have someone honored that’s incredible, especially on the state level when you have legislators taking notice. I’d love to be there... I’m incredibly proud.”

Many are taking notice of the charity organization that Bridges has been running for the past three years during the holiday season. Operation Cover a Friend is a program that provides cancer patients who are going through chemotherapy with blankets, meals and treats, and totes filled with goodies and general health supplies during the week leading up to Christmas. The materials are collected for months in advance.

Bridges’ mother Rhonda said that it began with Katie spending time at the Cancer Care Center of South Texas off Mission Hills Drive in Marble Falls.

"She sits and visits with the patients. The first year she did this she made them cookies,” Rhonda Bridges said.

For the full story, see Tuesday's Highlander, to be available on Wednesday.