Article updated: 11/17/2012 5:29 PM

Operation North Pole brings ‘magic’ to kids battling health problems

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Eleven-year-old triplets Jennifer, Julia and Faith McMahon of Lake Villa dressed up Saturday for a ride on the "Polar Express" as part of the annual Operation North Pole event for families of children with prior or current health issues.

Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer

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Phil Wenz of East Dundee, dressed as Santa, greets kids who participated in the annual Operation North Pole ride on the "Polar Express" on Saturday in Des Plaines. The event featured a train ride with cookies and carols, and a trip to the Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont decorated as the North Pole.

Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer

Des Plaines firefighter Ken Palenik waves to more than 200 children and families who were part of the annual Operation North Pole "Polar Express" ride for families who have children with previous or terminal health problems.

Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer

Dressed as Mrs. Claus, Jan Stafford of Chicago steps off the "Polar Express" train ride for families of children with previous or terminal health problems on Saturday in Des Plaines. Operation North Pole hosted the annual event designed to bring a day of fun and fantasy to families dealing with health issues in at least one of their children.

Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer

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Triplets like Jennifer, Julia and Faith McMahon have spent their fair share of time in hospitals as tiny newborns, but on Saturday, their families and others spent time somewhere more magical — the "North Pole." Operation North Pole brought more than 200 families of children with previous health issues or terminal illnesses on the "Polar Express," a Metra train that featured cookies, carols, gifts and plenty of Christmas spirit. "They're stuck in a storybook for the afternoon," said Phil Wenz dressed as Santa Claus.