ORANGE : Santa Visits Cancer Ward

Santa had to leave the reindeer behind and latch onto a 100-foot extension ladder to do his bit. But the kids on the cancer ward at Children’s Hospital of Orange County didn’t mind that he was on a ladder outside the building and not on his sleigh with Rudolph leading the way.

“He used to come on a sleigh,” said Angela Wilhite, 3, as she waved to him. “But Santa’s reindeer are in the fire station. He parked them where they are nice and shady.”

Christmas came early on Tuesday for the children at the hospital. Santa’s visit marked the 23rd year that the Fire Department has sent an engine blaring into the hospital’s parking lot and hoisted Santa to greet kids through the windows of the six-story building.

Firefighter Kevin Kelso, 43, said he enjoys being Santa and has played the role the past eight years. “This is how I get into the Christmas spirit,” he said.

Santa shook bells and waved at the children through the windows. He then got off the ladder and made visits to each room.

The only kink in the plan this year was that Kelso failed to find the huge pillow that gives his slender frame that famous Santa look. Nurses, parents and even some kids shouted that he was too skinny as he walked the halls.

“He’s been working out,” joked firefighter Ron Sanchez. “It’s not from cutbacks.”