Santa’s Sleigh Makes Special Stop to See Cedars-Sinai Patients
Visit Brings Young Patients and Their Families a Dose of Holiday Joy
In the nick of time for Christmas, Santa Claus brought a welcome dose of holiday joy to pediatric patients and their families at Cedars-Sinai.
Continuing a heartwarming tradition, Santa—who bears a striking resemblance to David Marshall, JD, DNP, RN, senior vice president and chief nursing executive at Cedars-Sinai—made a spirited visit to pediatric patients in Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s.
Santa sported a snowy beard and was adorned in his signature red suit, glossy black boots and hat topped with a festive pom-pom. Accompanied by nurses and healthcare professionals, he spread holiday cheer by gifting young patients a cuddly stuffed animal from the Owie BowWowie Foundation. Parents of newborns received keepsake ornaments imprinted with their baby’s footprints.
First-time mother Ashley Kaslove told Santa about her newborn daughter, Harley, currently a patient in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. “Even though she's not at home, thank you for finding my daughter, your presence means the world to us,” Kaslove said.
Santa’s eyes misted up when he told Kaslove that visiting the medical center was one of the highlights of his year. “To be able to provide that feeling to a family is something special,” he said.
Receiving a visit during a baby's first Christmas in the hospital added a special touch for many families—and made Santa’s day.
“It brings a piece of familiar tradition into what can be a challenging time for families with a loved one in the hospital,” Santa said. “The moment I witness the joy and smiles on their faces is priceless and brings me instant joy.”
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