Bringing Christmas Magic by Air: A Night of Joy for Kids Who Need It Most
- Brendan Sneegas
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
This holiday season, Angel Flight Central had the incredible opportunity to be part of something truly heart-warming in Kansas City, helping deliver Christmas joy to kids facing serious health battles across our community. AFC partnered with Hope Kids of Kansas City to make this special night happen.
On Wednesday evening AFC hosted 13 incredible children, all facing cancer, cerebral palsy, or other life-threatening medical conditions, alongside their families. They gathered at the downtown airport for a night that had nothing to do with hospitals, treatments, or diagnoses, and everything to do with joy.
“Because these kids should not be hearing the ‘C word’ at their age,” said Brendan Sneegas, Executive Director of Angel Flight Central.
“And so, to provide just a night away where we have gifts ready for them and crafts and love and Santa’s landing any minute to bless their night — it’s priceless.”
Instead of reindeer and a sleigh, Santa arrived by aircraft, with presents tucked safely in the cargo hold. As the kids watched the plane arrive, their focus wasn’t on any medical challenges, it was on the wonder of the moment.
“They have no idea at the moment about their medical life,” Sneegas said.“What they are thinking now, right now, is, ‘Wow, this is cool. Somebody cares.’”
Once inside, the kids unwrapped gifts like slippers, toy trucks, and cozy blankets. They decorated cookies, watched Christmas movies, and simply enjoyed being kids, a welcome break from doctor’s appointments and hospital rooms.
“We really want something fun to be on their schedule when they have lots of doctor’s appointments and things that honestly aren’t that fun,” said Jade Van Slyke, Hope Kids Program Manager.
“They can have fun things like this to look forward to.”
For parents, the night meant just as much. Heather Dahmer, whose son Lucas was born at 27 weeks and has cerebral palsy, shared how meaningful the experience was for her entire family.
“It really is what Christmas is,” Heather said.“I think it just puts the magic back in and keeps the magic alive.”
She described the joy of watching all of her children feel celebrated and surprised.
“My oldest said, ‘I’m living my best life!’ And that really is what it feels like — you really feel like VIP all the time.”
“They didn’t know it was coming. You see the plane, and that’s cool. You see the firetruck, and that’s cool. And Santa and presents on top of it? It’s like, what can’t they do?”
For the volunteers, pilots, and supporters who made the night possible, the reason was simple.
“It just makes you feel good,” said Chris Hope, an AFC pilot.
“It makes you feel like, ‘Hey, I love Christmas.’ There are needs all over this city. People need help. What a great time to be part of that.
Fox 4 news was able to cover the event and posted an article and news clip online check it out here!
