December 14, 2007

The smallest of patients got quite a big surprise today at Driscoll children's Hospital.

The kids got to speak with Santa Claus via shortwave radio.  Amateur radio operators went from room to room with a  radio. On the other end, the man in red, and as you'll see it was a conversation that brought smiles to each kids face.

Izzy also told Santa he wanted a remote control car. Santa spent time talking with each of the kids brightening up their day. Parents we spoke with say the unexpected call from the North Pole helps the kids feel special and helps them to forget, even for a minute that they are in the hospital.

Israel Saldivar told us, "I think he's putting them in there. He's selling toys."

Israel's mother, Laura LLamas, said, "But that was a big deal. He wanted to see Santa because he was up here the other day taking pictures."

 This was the second year Driscoll has taken part in the North Pole Network.

For another patient,  8 year old Javier Zapada, this was also a special visit, because it was his last day in the hospital. He got to go home after talking with the busy man at the North Pole. When asked what he wanted, he said, a bike.