SUMMERFIELD, N.C. — There's yet another heartwarming update to a Guilford County story we've followed for years.
You might remember the story about the kid who beat cancer three times.
Summerfield native 19-year-old Johnny Van Kemp battled leukemia when he was a child. The second time he relapsed he was 14 years old during Christmastime.
Many people aim to be home for the holidays, not in a hospital.
Yet, five years ago that's where the Van Kemp's spent Christmas — by no means was it a normal holiday for them.
Van Kemp's mother remembers it as one of the hardest times of their lives — until the kindness of strangers made Christmas whole again by bringing Johnny some presents.
"The time was torturous because as a parent, you want your child to embrace and love the magic of Christmas and in the hospital, you just can't do that. So, it was such a blessing when people would bring him toys. You could see a little bit of joy come to his eye and for just a moment, he would enjoy himself," Johnny Van Kemp's mom shared.
This act of kindness gave the Van Kemp family the idea to return the favor to other kids like Johnny.
"We promised each other in that moment, that when not if but when he was able, we would pay it forward, or do something similar," Van Kemp's dad added.
Last year, was the first year the Van Kemp's invited guests into their home to enjoy fellowship and Christmas lights, under one condition they — bring an unwrapped present with them.
Last year, was also the first year Johnny and his parents passed out those gifts at Brenner Children's Hospital, creating a holiday tradition for their family.
They will be passing out gifts at Brenner Children's Hospital this year too.
"We did hand-deliver these presents and it was tough. It's not easy seeing these sick kids come in but it's pretty nice seeing them come in with a smile instead of dreading going into the hospital," Johnny said.
Now, those battling cancer through the holidays will have something to look forward to thanks to the Van Kemps.
"Everybody getting together for this purpose helps make a child's wishes come true while they're lying there in the hospital. So, it's worth everything that we've put into it. We love it," His mom went on to say.
Johnny has been cancer-free for years now but has only started his journey of helping others.