Santa Keaton Comes To Town: A Wish Come True
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Nearly every child dreams of staying awake on Christmas Eve to meet Santa Claus coming down the chimney.
A West Fargo boy got the chance to surpass that childhood fantasy, and become Santa himself.
Keaton Nelson was born with cystic fibrosis, a disorder that damages his lungs and digestive system.
Keaton has spent most of his life in and out of the hospital.
He had no idea that today would be the day his wish would be coming true.
Hundreds lined up on the route to cheer on Santa Keaton.
“I heard some news that there would be quite a few people but I had no idea there be hundreds,” says Keaton’s mom, Kristen Peterson.
The sleigh ride went from Island Park to Sanford Children Hospital.
Supporters held signs along the path.
A fan even surprised Keaton with a donut saying ‘Santa Keaton.’
His response was priceless.
“Whoa! What the heck is this?”
Keaton jumped into the Santa suit earlier Friday morning when he was surprised at the West Acre’s Macys.
His older brother Cooper and his good friends Brenna and Gabe stepped into the role of Santa’s Elves.
Keaton was excited to get the Santa show on the road.
“Let’s get going, I want to help people,” says Keaton.
“You can see how much joy he’s getting from giving joy to others and what he said, ‘I want to help.’ And that’s all we want to do at Make–A–Wish,” says Make-A-Wish North Dakota CEO, Billi Jo Zielinski.
Keaton’s one true wish was to be able to give back.
He came to the children’s hospital to bring some Christmas magic to other patients feeling a little down.
“I just thought that it was nice, because I’m nice. And I love Christmas and I bet the other kids love Christmas. And yeah, I like helping people,” says Keaton.
This Santa may be miniature in size but he’s got a big heart.
Keaton went throughout the hospital to deliver toys, cookies and candies.
It’s not quite time for Santa to hurry down the chimney, but thanks to Keaton, the festive Christmas spirit is alive and well in Fargo.
Make–A–Wish partnered with Macy’s to help grant Keaton’s wish.
More than 50 wishes happened across the country today for Macy’s 7th annual National Believe Day.
