Fantasy Flight brightens holidays for sick kids
Zachary Steingard knew he was going to have a big day on Saturday, so he wanted to be prepared.
The 9-year-old Des Plaines boy was among dozens of pediatric patients chosen to fly to the North Pole and meet Santa Claus.
Because the magical hourlong flight would take him from O'Hare International Airport to Santa's frigid turf, Zachary wanted to pack his snow pants and boots.
"I hate to tell him we're not bringing all that stuff," Zachary's mother, Renee Steingard, said on Friday. "He wants to play in the snow at the North Pole."
On Saturday, it didn't matter that the flight aboard a United Airlines jet ended where it began - at O'Hare. Zachary and the other children returned to a North Pole-decorated gate to get toys, participate in activities and have that promised meeting with Santa.
"It was awesome," Zachary said after his return. "I saw a bunch of baseball fields."
Renee Steingard said it was a memorable experience for Zachary, who is being treated for ulcerative colitis.
The "Fantasy Flight" was hosted by United Airlines employee volunteers for Advocate Children's Hospital patients from throughout the Chicago area.
Many of the children who were invited are living with serious illnesses or are in recovery. They traveled with their parents and siblings.
"It's just a fabulous day," said Margaret Bucaro, a United employee who helped coordinate the event. "We want to make one day for the families where they're not worried about hospitals and schedules and doctors."
The trip started at Gate B16, where children presented printed boarding passes with the destination of "North Pole." During the flight, passengers sang Christmas carols, talked and snapped pictures.
"The flight was amazing," said Veronica Miskiewicz, an Aurora mom whose 6-year-old daughter, Daphnee, was born with her heart outside her chest. "I have never been on an airplane ever. So it was an experience for me and my kids."
When their plane arrived at the decorated Gate C20, the roughly 130 passengers were welcomed by a large group that included Chicago firefighters, Santa's elves, and costumed superheroes and Disney characters. The kids then were able to take pictures with Santa and comfort dogs. They also got to build a bear, get their faces painted, shop in Mrs. Claus' workshop and enjoy lunch.
Juan Bautista of Oak Lawn said the day far exceeded his expectations. He said it made "a huge difference" on his 7-year-old daughter, Sophia, who was born with a heart condition.
"The way they have treated my two kids is beautiful," Bautista said. "My daughter is so happy. She's getting treated like a queen."