Santa Claus Arrives at Kaweah Health to Spread Holiday Cheer

VISALIA, Calif. – Santa Claus’s arrival at Kaweah Health Medical Center brought holiday magic with a twist. Originally set to fly in on a SkyLife helicopter, Santa had to change plans due to poor weather. Undeterred, he traded his sleigh and reindeer for an ambulance ride, making sure he could still deliver joy and cheer to patients and the dedicated healthcare workers caring for them.

“We’re so excited that SkyLife works with Kaweah Health to help Santa make his entrance,” said Deborah Volosin, Kaweah Health Director of Patient and Community Experience. “Walking through our children’s areas with Santa is always so much fun. Seeing kids’ faces light up when they see him is priceless.”

Melissa Filiponi, Kaweah Health Director of Maternal Child Health, added that being in the hospital during the holidays can be hard on kids and their families.

“We are overjoyed to have Santa visit Kaweah Health, bringing smiles and festive cheer to our littlest patients and their families,” Filiponi said. “His presence brightens spirits and spreads the magic of the holiday season.”

Santa visited several areas of the hospital, including the Pediatrics Unit, Mother/Baby Unit, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Kaweah Kids, and the Emergency Department. His stops brought big smiles to patients, families, and staff.

“I’m very emotional,” said Julia Salinas, the mother of a NICU patient. “I didn’t expect something like this. This is my first baby, and I’m just happy to hold her in my arms and have her see Santa for the first time.”

Santa’s visit reflects Kaweah Health’s commitment to bringing joy and compassion to its patients and the community during the holiday season.

"I'm very grateful SkyLife gets to be a part of this special tradition. While weather didn’t permit us to fly Santa, we were able to assist in his travels via ground support with our partner American Ambulance of Visalia," said SkyLife Flight Nurse Mel Moskowite. “We are fortunate to help give back to the communities we serve, helping deliver Santa safely to Kaweah Health to visit healthcare staff, patients, and their families bringing smiles and cheer to all."

Santa’s visit was a reminder of the power of small gestures and the joy they bring during the holidays. His presence created special moments for patients, families, and staff that will be remembered long after the season ends.

About Kaweah Health
Kaweah Health, a publicly owned healthcare organization established in 1961, is the largest hospital in Tulare County, with services including a level III trauma center, rural health clinics, urgent care centers, a rehabilitation hospital, cancer center, long-term care facilities, and other specialty services. With more than 5,000 employees and a medical staff of about 670 professionals, Kaweah Health’s mission is to provide excellent and compassionate healthcare to the community, with a vision to be a world-class healthcare choice for life. For more information, visit KaweahHealth.org or follow Kaweah Health on Facebook, Instagram, or X.

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