Santa, superheroes say hello to patients at Children's Wisconsin on Christmas
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Children celebrating the holiday in the hospital got a surprise visit from Santa and his friends.
"The smile on their faces just touches your heart," Milwaukee Firefighter and Paramedic Jason Velazquez said.
Dressed up as Mario from Super Mario Bros., Velazquez spent part of his Christmas morning in the bucket at the end of a fire truck ladder, waving hello to patients at Children's Wisconsin.
"Going up there and seeing all the families in the window definitely pulled some heartstrings, trying to hold back tears," he said.
This was Velazquez's first time participating in the annual event, but many others have dressed up before, donning a superhero costume to bring the children joy. For six years, various hometown departments have come together for the event, a tradition that started because of the personal experience of one firefighter, Trevor Pinkalla.
"[My son] Brian is actually a cancer survivor. He had third-stage kidney cancer," Pinkalla said. "We spent time here for about six months in the hospital, staying there almost every single day. We were here not over Christmas but over Easter."
Pinkalla and his son came up with the idea of returning every year to cheer up children unable to leave the hospital for the holiday.
"I talked to Brian, and one of the thoughts we had was coming back to Children's Hospital and making sure Santa and the superheroes can be here on Christmas Day because, sadly, for some of these children, this might be their last Christmas," Pinkalla said. "We even get emails and phone calls months in advance to make sure we're coming, making sure we're going to be a part of this because they know it means a lot to the staff and the families."
As for Brian, who is now in remission and a 15-year-old freshman at Arrowhead High School, this event is something he tells CBS 58 he would have enjoyed during his time at Children's.
"This would've probably meant a lot to see that I could see Santa from my own window and not leaving my room. This would've meant a lot to me," he said.
To keep the kids safe, the heroes and Santa use fire trucks to meet face-to-face.
"Being a mom and then seeing kids in the hospital, it gets to me a little bit. But I try to keep my composure and just smile and wave. It means a lot to be there for them," Milwaukee Firefighter Emily Gebhardt said.
"It's our way to give back to the community and to show these kids that we're here for them."
For Jolly St. Nick, who had a voice similar to Milwaukee Fire Dept. Lt. Jeffrey Freitag, the day was about sending strength and encouragement to the boys and girls in the hospital who are definitely on his nice list.
"It is more than exciting for Santa to be here with these kids because I get to share my enjoyment, and they give me some smiles and encouragement back," Santa said. "I am so happy, and I'm going to see you next year. Let's you know, the elves are watching!"