FAIRHOPE — When it comes to sharing comfort and kindness, age is just a number for 12-year-old Emory Whitehead.

Before her birthday on Oct. 26, Whitehead said she wanted to bring presents to children who were hospitalized at Thomas Hospital and gives credit to God for placing that idea on her heart.

"I was like, 'Mom, I think I know what I want to do for my birthday. I want to deliver presents to kids in the hospital,'" Whitehead said. "I just felt like other kids needed this gift that we get on our birthday every year and I wanted to share the joy of opening presents to other kids."

At just four days old, Whitehead was diagnosed with viral meningitis and had surgery at the age of four.

"It could have been fatal, but I truly believe God was there with us and we did not know what was going to happen," said Whitehead's mother Holly Whitehead. "I really just felt this peace that was from God because I remember thinking, 'even if she does not make it, I am so thankful that I have had this time and I would do it all over again just to have this time.'"

Whitehead noted that she understands how these children who are in the hospital feel and she wanted to do something to comfort them, letting them know that everything will be okay.

"Through the entire journey of the things that have happened in my life," Whitehead said. "God was with me through it all."

Whitehead fulfilled her birthday wish by delivering an array of gifts to Thomas Hospital — toy cars, stress toys, toy doctor kits and more — hoping to spread holiday cheer.

Whitehead's generous spirit sparked a ripple effect within the hospital. Inspired by her act of kindness, a father whose child received a donated gift made a contribution to the Thomas Hospital Foundation, so that other children could also experience the gift of receiving.

"The response has been very positive. The presents have brought joy and happiness not only to the children but also their parents," said RN-BSN at Thomas Hospital Shannon Bankester. "The nursing staff can use the toys to bond with the patients, which can help to build trust and alleviate some of the anxiety that children may feel when in the hospital."

According to Bankester, these gifts increase the well-being of these children who are staying in the hospital.

"Hospital stays can be stressful and confusing, especially for children who may not fully understand why they need to be there," she said. "The toys help alleviate some of that anxiety by serving as a distraction during their stay and creating a more positive atmosphere. By providing toys and other items, we can help children cope with the unknown and make their time in the hospital more comfortable. It's remarkable how their mood is transformed when they receive one of the toys."