Patients Take Flight to the ‘North Pole’ with Delta Air Lines

Children treated at Primary Children’s Hospital didn’t need eight tiny reindeer to get them to the North Pole. They had help from the Delta Air Lines Santa Express.

Patients and their family members were bused from the hospital to the the Salt Lake City International Airport. They were met at the curb by a human tunnel of Delta employees decked in holiday garb.  All passengers were given their boarding pass with the final destination reading: North Pole. Excited kids and families fastened their seat belts for a 30-minute flight. Santa’s helpers provided both festive snacks and entertainment while on-board.

Upon ‘landing,’ passengers found themselves in a magical North Pole wonderland – greeted by mascots, cheerleaders, elves, sparkling decorations, and, the man himself, Santa Claus. A major highlight for each child was meeting Santa Claus in his sleigh, and receiving a gift that ‘magically’ matched one they had previously wished for at the hospital.

This is Delta’s fifth year in generously hosting Primary Children’s Hospital to gift that which sometimes feels in short supply: hope and cheer.

https://www.facebook.com/primarychildrens/videos/vb.204326053387/127424001485580/?type=2&theater

Intermountain Healthcare President and CEO, Marc Harrison, MD, was on hand to help spread the cheer. A big thanks to Delta Air Lines in helping us put The Child First And Always this holiday season.

Thank @Delta for your generosity to @primarychildren, an @Intermountain hospital. Today’s “flight” to the North Pole was the experience of a lifetime for our patients and their families. Mary Carole and I were privileged witness their joy. pic.twitter.com/2l1mIfL58j

— Marc Harrison MD (@MarcHarrisonMD) December 1, 2018