Medical City Lewisville colleagues help bring Christmas to hospitalized Santa
Santa needed a little extra help this year, so Medical City Lewisville staff jumped into action to help.
Medical City Lewisville colleagues rallied to bring Christmas to one of “Santa’s helpers,” who is hospitalized this year.
A twenty-plus-year veteran Santa, Joe Derrick was disheartened when he had to cancel his Santa jobs this season due to a broken ankle that requires surgery. When Medical City Lewisville colleagues learned his story, they set out to bring joy to him this holiday season.
“Our nurse manager was talking with the Derrick’s and learned about his story,” says John Walker, CEO of Medical City Lewisville. “It tugged at her heartstrings and she knew that she could help make Santa’s stay during the holiday season brighter. This is just another way our compassionate colleagues show how they care like family every day.”
With the help of his wife, Cindy, staff surprised Derrick by setting up a place within the hospital to take pictures. After being helped into his Santa suit and wheeled to the rehabilitation unit, the surprised Santa was greeted by Medical City Lewisville staff and replied with a hearty “ho ho ho.” While carolers and music played, he snapped photos with colleagues while they enjoyed milk and cookies.
It was a jolly time for all involved.