'My new heart': Seriously-ill children who are celebrating Thanksgiving in the hospital share the things they are most grateful for this holiday season in poignant images

  • The thanks given by youngsters who have been suffering in Atlanta Children's hospital, that really puts things in perspective 
  • Their hopes and dreams have been brought together in a series of heartwarming photos
  • The children give thanks to everything from their hugs to their health

By James Gordon For Dailymail.com

Published: 09:50 EST, 26 November 2015 | Updated: 11:57 EST, 26 November 2015

A group of sick children, many of whom will have to spend the holiday season in hospital, have given thanks for the positive aspects of their life in an inspirational photo series.

Whether it be for hugs from one of the hospital's therapy dogs or a brand new heart, each child proves that no matter what the treatments and diagnoses they may face, they can still find plenty to be thankful for. 

Taken by the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, the images see each smiling child holding up a piece of paper on which is written the thing, or things, that they are most grateful for this Thanksgiving.

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He made it! In the days leading up to Thanksgiving this year, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta asked its young patients about the things they’re most thankful for. Justin, pictured, survived being hit by a bus last month

He made it! In the days leading up to Thanksgiving this year, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta asked its young patients about the things they’re most thankful for. Justin, pictured, survived being hit by a bus last month

Cuddle time: The children's answers ranged from simple things, like snuggles with the hospital therapy dog, to monumental things like being discharged

Cuddle time: The children's answers ranged from simple things, like snuggles with the hospital therapy dog, to monumental things like being discharged

Miracle: Maylee was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in September. But while she and her family may still have a long road of treatments ahead of them, they are thankful that she is still here with them

Miracle: Maylee was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in September. But while she and her family may still have a long road of treatments ahead of them, they are thankful that she is still here with them

A young boy called Justin, who survived being hit by a bus last month, can be seen grinning at the camera as he holds up a sign with the poignant message: '[I'm thankful] for not dying!' 

Gabe, meanwhile, who admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, explains he he is grateful to be 'out of I.C.U.'. He is photographed in the library, happy that he is now able to leave his bed and indulge himself in a good book.

A girl called Megan has been in hospital for five months but is grateful to have found companionship with a therapy dog called Izzy. Smiling broadly, the dog can be seen sitting loyally by her side.

A toddler called Laura AnnaBeth has been undergoing heart surgery. Her mom writes on her notepad how they are thankful for the Cardiac Intensive Care (CICU) at the hospital, and for God's grace.

On his feet: The answers, like this one given by Gabe, are a poignant reminder that there is always much to be thankful for. This young man was just happy to be able to get out of bed and visit the library

On his feet: The answers, like this one given by Gabe, are a poignant reminder that there is always much to be thankful for. This young man was just happy to be able to get out of bed and visit the library

Loud and clear: Baby Charlotte cannot see or hear. When she grows bigger and stronger, she will undergo a cochlear implant surgery that will help her hear her mom’s voice for the first time

Loud and clear: Baby Charlotte cannot see or hear. When she grows bigger and stronger, she will undergo a cochlear implant surgery that will help her hear her mom’s voice for the first time

Prespective: The brave kids and their families show that you can count ‘good health’ among the things you’re grateful for

Prespective: The brave kids and their families show that you can count ‘good health’ among the things you’re grateful for

A beating heart: While many kids were grateful for family, friends and pets, they also gave thanks for things like nurses, and heart transplants

A beating heart: While many kids were grateful for family, friends and pets, they also gave thanks for things like nurses, and heart transplants

Others are simply grateful to be alive. The fact they're in hospital at Thanksgiving makes no difference whatsoever and instead heightens their sense of gratitude.

Many of the children - and their parents - are simply happy to be able to celebrate with their loved ones, no matter where those celebrations are taking place.  

And this thought is echoed by the mother of baby Maylee who was diagnosed with leukemia in September. She is simply thankful her daughter is still alive.

Others write how they are excited to be going home and spending time with their families and friends. For some children, even the hospital's nurses have become friends too.

Proof, the no matter you're condition, where you are, who you're with, on Thanksgiving there is always something to be thankful for. 

Grateful to God: Laura AnnaBeth is her parents’ first child and she is recovering from heart surgery. She’ll spend her first Thanksgiving with her family in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit

Grateful to God: Laura AnnaBeth is her parents’ first child and she is recovering from heart surgery. She’ll spend her first Thanksgiving with her family in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit

Driving out of here: Thanksgiving is a time for kids to share what they're grateful for -- from their families to their pets to their favorite toys like Gabrielle who is heading out in her sparkly pyjamas

Driving out of here: Thanksgiving is a time for kids to share what they're grateful for -- from their families to their pets to their favorite toys like Gabrielle who is heading out in her sparkly pyjamas

Community: For children who have spent a significant time in the hospital this year, their lists can be surprising

Community: For children who have spent a significant time in the hospital this year, their lists can be surprising

Siblings: The answers reminded us, we have a lot to be thankful for this year

Siblings: The answers reminded us, we have a lot to be thankful for this year

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