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Santa Visits NICU Babies Before Their First Christmas

The littlest patients got a chance to see Saint Nicholas just before their first Christmas.
Credit: Chris Clark / Spectrum Health Beat
Santa holds the littlest elf, Gabrial Kulakowski at the NICU in the Gerber Foundation Neonatal Center at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Santa Claus made a special stop to Helen DeVos Children's Hospital to see the babies and families at the NICU.

Santa said it's a way for families to take a much-needed break from their worries and enjoy the holiday season.

And not to worry, Santa knows just how to hold the tiny little ones during his visit. Behind the beard, is Al Jones, MD, a retired neonatal medicine specialist, Spectrum says. Jones has been donning the suit for the past six years to help create these moments.

Santa NICU

Little Harlow VanHaaren is wrapped in a Christmas bow for her visit with Santa. (Photo: Chris Clark / Spectrum Health Beat)

Santa was also joined by a helper during his visit, Amy Nyberg. She's the hospital's March of Dimes family support program coordinator -- and the very person who makes this visit happen every year.

Nyberg also dresses up and gives out candy canes and small toys to the young siblings of the NICU babies, making sure to arrange a professional Santa portrait to be sent to the families.

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