Hospital trip to ‘North Pole’

Patients from Schneider Children’s Hospital and their families experienced the wonder of the holiday season a little early as they went on a “Fantasy Flight” to the North Pole.
For about the last 10 years, US Airways has been hosting the event at the US Air Shuttle at LaGuardia Airport. This year, children visited with Shrek and some of Santa’s helpers before getting onboard a plane to go to the North Pole.
The shades on the plane windows are put down because, the children are told, the light would hurt the reindeers’ eyes. They were then taxied around for about 20 minutes before arriving at a gate where they were able to visit with Santa.
“It opens our hearts, it warms us, it gives us a glow and it gives us an understanding that life is good,” said Richard Galante, a social worker at Schneider Children’s Hospital.
Debbie Amato was at the event with her two sons, 7-year-old Kenny and 5-year-old Jake. Jake has leukemia and is a patient at the hospital.
“It means everything,” said Debbie Amato. “They were so excited, just thrilled.”
Schneider Children’s Hospital nurse Lulette Infante added, “It’s amazing because we see these kids go through so much every day. We know we’re helping them but seeing them in a different light and seeing how happy they are today is a wonderful experience.”
Fantasy Flight Captain Carl Clarke has been participating in the event for the last three years. He said that it is rewarding just to see the smiles on the children’s faces and that by watching them it is easy to see how important it is to them.
Bayside magician Michael Raccuia volunteered his services this year and entertained the children after their flight. His goal was to help the children take their minds off of what they were going through and provide them with a little happiness.
“The magic is not just performing,” said Raccuia, who has been doing magic since he was 16. “The real magic is to take the kids away from the pain.”