Santa cyber-visits with patients at Children's Hospital

BOSTON -- Santa Claus took time out of his busy schedule to meet face to face with some young patients.

It’s part of a program at Children's Hospital for kids who might not be able to get out and visit Santa at the mall. So instead, he comes to them in a virtual visit.

Santa paid a cyber-visit to children who are hospitalized for the holidays, like 4-year-old Alina.

"So I want you to have a wonderful Christmas, with mommy and the whole family," said Santa.

Santa made Alina’s wish come true. Talking to Santa that way was easier than sitting on his lap, because Alina needs to have a machine with her at all times.

“Alina needs a heart transplant, and while she waits for that to happen, even though it’s mechanical heart, she's doing great,” said Mary Jane Siman, Alina’s mother.

From his North Pole workshop, Santa could see and hear the kids at Children's Hospital through a video link from Cisco Systems.

“Early on we got involved because Children's was looking for a way to bring Santa to some of the folks who couldn't necessarily go and visit him,” said Bill Coyle, Cisco Systems.

“This is amazing for these children, either children that are here overnight, to kids that are here months on end, so they really make it a magical moment for these kids,” said Carrie Card, child life specialist at Children’s Hospital.

For Desiree, a patient, it was more than magical.

“I love Santa. I wish I could go again!” Desiree said.

Santa will cyber-visit with children in 16 hospitals all over America this week.

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