Connect

‘Twas the morning of Christmas, when all through UVA Health Children’s seventh floor — Santa Claus and his elves were stirring, delivering gifts to some of our youngest patients, door-to-door. 

The children were nestled all snug in their beds, when they were surprised by these special visitors — bringing fun toys and games, and cozy socks. The gifts included warm, new blankets donated by a former patient, who raises money each year for the cause.

Santa Claus, aka Charlottesville Mayor Juandiego Wade, has been making these rounds for about eight years. He's been accompanied by his daughter, Gabriella Wade, most of those years. And this year, more elves to help spread the cheer: UVA Health CEO Mitch Rosner, MD, MACP, FRCP, his wife, UVA Health’s Michelle Rosner, CRNA, MSN, RN, and their children; along with Kyle Niehoff, a UVA Health volunteer who works at UVA Darden School of Business.

UVA Health Child Life Program Supervisor Katelyn Kieleszewski, MEd, CCLS, led the tour, co-planned by Amy Cesak, CCLS, Child Life Services Manager.

“I think we’re here for connections,” says Mayor Wade. “It’s just really special to go into the room, give the family or the young person a present, and see their face light up. It is so joyful!" 

“Being with Santa and being able to support all the families, it truly is a wonderful experience for patients to know there are people thinking about them and caring about them. It really is a joy and a privilege to do this," Dr. Rosner told local television reporters. 

Mayor Wade and Dr. Rosner also expressed gratitude to UVA Health team members working during the holidays. “They are away from their family and friends to be here to take care of our patients.”

The father of a patient also spoke to the media: "It just means the world to see other people care about your kids .... That was awesome to see Santa and everybody come in here and show love and support to the kids — they really appreciate that for sure, they were very excited!"

See more photos of this special morning: