Magic Moments

Michael and Courtnee were living a very normal life with their children, Fox and Luna. Last summer, seemingly in an instant, their world changed as their little Luna became very sick. She was diagnosed with hepatoblastoma, a rare type of liver cancer that affects fewer than one in a million children. Her team of doctors came to the conclusion that a liver transplant was her best option.

In October 2022, Luna underwent her liver transplant surgery. Unfortunately, it was later discovered she has Post Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder (PTLD), a complication of her anti-rejection medicine, and that meant more chemo, more tubes, and more time away from home. One year later in October of this year, the Combs family received the wonderful news that Luna is in remission! UBT and our partners wanted to give the Combs some extra joy this holiday season.

Kayla and Cole Meyer had, by all accounts, a great life until Christmas Day 2022, when the unthinkable happened. Cole went into cardiac arrest, suffered a seizure, and then spent seemingly endless months in a coma. His dedicated wife Kayla found her world upside down trying to take care of her two small daughters and be with Cole in the hospital. But if you ask Kayla, she'll tell you life is still beautiful — and she really means it.

Slowly but surely over the last year, Cole has been working through his recovery, including learning how to walk and talk again. The family has taken a few other hits this year (including a lightning strike to their house!) but Kayla's positive attitude has stayed strong despite the circumstances. UBT and our partners worked together to ensure their memories of Christmas this year are filled with joy while making memories together as a family. 

Anyone who knows Rita McClure knows that if you need her, Rita shows up. She retired from Lincoln Public Schools as a school nurse, but there’s a nursing shortage and LPS is feeling it, so Rita continues to sub, taking as many shifts as she can. In addition to working a nearly full work week, Rita volunteers at FoodNet of Lincoln. 

Rita was nominated by her daughter Laura Huggins as well as her granddaughter Emily Castner and chosen because of her dedication to her family and her community. UBT’s Magic Moments team thought it was time for this incredible lady who pours so much love into helping others to receive a little holiday love herself! 

Jamie is a devoted single mom to three wonderful children, Jordan (13), Carson (9), and Harper (4). In 2022, Jamie was diagnosed with cervical cancer setting her up for a tough fight. She knocked the cancer out in the first round but unfortunately it came back bigger than before by metastasizing in her lungs and bloodstream. Yet she keeps fighting. Jamie is working hard to create positive family memories and experiences while also creating teal and white charm bracelets and amazing uplifting paintings to raise awareness for cervical cancer.

UBT was touched by Jamie’s indomitable spirit as well, and together with our amazing partners, we set out to make some holiday magic happen for Jamie and her family.

Jessica Lindbeck was recently diagnosed with a glioblastoma, an inoperable tumor in her brain. She started treatments after Thanksgiving and the family is hoping for survival past five years. Jessica, her husband Ryan, and their 14-year-old Eve enjoy spending as much time together as possible, whether it's attending church, cooking a big breakfast, or enjoying Disney movies. Jessica hopes treatments will keep her symptoms minimal so she can experience a good quality of life with few side effects. UBT and our amazing partners wanted to celebrate those giving hearts by making some holiday magic for the Lindbeck family.