Santa Needs a Christmas Miracle!

For the last 24 years, Santa Brent (a.k.a. The Real Santa) has been sharing his delight for all things Christmas with family, friends, pets and children of all ages.

He had just started his biggest year ever with appearances scheduled at parades, schools, parties and other engagements when he suffered a stroke in the posterior inferior cerebullum, which affected his balance, vision and swallowing. Since December 5th, Santa Brent has stayed strong through the ER, ICU, brain surgery and is currently trying desperately to make his body relearn how to swallow, speak, sit up and regain his strength all the while fighting off pneumonia, a bladder infection and an additional blood clot. Even though he still can’t speak loud or sit up without being wobbly, as soon as he was able, he asked Mrs. Clause to bring him his hat, coat and santa boots so that he could roll through the hospital ward and pass out candy canes to others.

Brent has always been a pillar of strength and support for everyone he’s met. He shows endless patience and loves to have fun, spread joy and make not only Christmas magical, but life in general, playing with his grandkids, teaching them his skills and frequently mixing in some tall tales.

He started working at a young age and spent his life not only providing for his family, but also found time to volunteer for countless church positions, community events and humanitarian outreach programs. His high ethical standard, always combined with his can-do attitude, resulted in everyone naturally following his lead to help others. Retirement meant he could pursue his excitement for the holidays year-round. He started going to Santa conferences and perfecting his craft.

With the help of his wife, they made a series of couture costumes and gave all of Santa’s trinkets—from the old brass keys hanging from his belt to his jars of pixie dust—a real-world story. Kids and adults alike were fascinated by the details which earned him the title, “The Real Santa.” He started writing annual stories about his “Santa Adventures” and would captivate audiences wherever he told them. Santa’s original stories and boisterous “Ho, Ho, Ho” will live in their memories for the rest of their lives.

Over the years, word of Santa Brent’s special gift and ability to convey the true heartfelt meaning of Christmas spread and he was in high demand as someone who “looked just like Santa.” Many mothers would testify to us that he calmed their fearful child “who had always been afraid of Santa before now.” This year, over 4,000 children will miss that twinkle coming from his soft blue eyes as he tells them stories, hands out candy canes, listens to their Christmas wish lists, and always reminds them to be good year round.

We hope Santa Brent will make a full recovery and be back in the sleigh next year but this year even Rudolph can't save his financial Christmas. In retirement, his bringing joy to everyone else also helped supplement his income. Inflation has affected us all but for retirees trying to make ends meet in today's rising economy…well, it's tougher than getting Blitzen back in his stall when it's snowing outside.

Santa Brent will need a remodeled bathroom without tripping hazards, mobility aids, financial help for the hospital bills, rehab center, long-term therapy sessions and funds for this year’s food, utilities, gas, cars and house upkeep.

We are tickled red and green that Santa Brent is still with us, making us laugh and fighting to recover. Please help save his and Mrs. Claus’ Christmas and New Year. We appreciate you so much--thank you for your help and Merry Christmas to All!

"Great things are done by a series of small things brought together." --Vincent Van Gogh