When Santa Claus can’t find a chimney, he enlists his helpers to discover another way to share the Christmas spirit and excitement.
Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus made a special visit to AdventHealth for Children, and they brought a team of acrobatic elves with them to help patients celebrate the holiday season.
The annual Elf Rappel event featured Friends of the North Pole in the form of first responders from Orlando Fire Department and Orange County Fire Rescue Department. They brought fire trucks, tall ladders and rappelling gear to see children up close through the windows of AdventHealth for Children. Some of the children will remain hospitalized throughout the holidays.
This is the fifth year for an event that brings Christmas cheer and allows first responders to give back in a meaningful and heartfelt way to the youngest members of the community they serve.
“We know that these children and families are going through a lot here,” said Greg Hubbard, captain of special operations for Orange County Fire Rescue. “Myself, and the group of elves behind me, we look forward to this every single year. We actually train for this year-round.
“Being able to put a smile on a kid’s face during the holiday season makes us recognize we have it a lot better than a lot of other people,” said Aaron Rhodes, district chief of special operations for Orlando Fire Department. “If you can take a little time out of your day to provide some warmth and play some games outside of a window for a child who will not be able to make it outside for the holidays, what other job is going to give me that opportunity?”
12 items. To interact with these items, press Control-Option-Shift-Right Arrow. These items are in a slider. To advance slider forward, press Shift-Command-Right Arrow. To advance slider backward, press Shift-Command-Left Arrow.
News
Find your inner Ironman
The Inspiring Wholeness podcast explains how to start an exercise routine, stay motivated and build endurance safely, to find your inner Ironman.
News
AdventHealth hospitals welcome first babies of 2025
As the world rang in 2025, AdventHealth for Women welcomed the very first babies of the new year.
News
AdventHealth for Children doctor honored with prestigious award
Dr. Joseph Lopez, chief of pediatric head and neck surgery at AdventHealth for Children, was honored with the prestigious Professional of the Year Award at the 27th Annual Don Quijote Awards.
News
Operation Giving Back: How Dr. Ryan Day helps his hometown by performing cutting edge surgery at AdventHealth
Giving back to his hometown, Dr. Ryan Day brings advanced robotic surgery to local patients, offering life-saving care close to home.
News
Healthy hearts, happy holidays: A doctor’s tips to celebrate safely
The holiday season can increase heart attack risks due to overindulgence, stress, and ignored symptoms, but Dr. Hector Lozano advises moderation, staying active, managing stress, and sticking to...
News
The ultimate early Christmas present: Saving your best friend with the gift of life
Transplant is AdventHealth Transplant Institute’s 5000th kidney transplant
News
Orlando deputies rappel from AdventHealth for Children roof in 8th annual 'Elf Rappel'
Deputies from local fire and police departments dressed as elves as part of an eight-year long tradition bringing festive cheer to kids and families staying at the hospital this holiday season.
Video
Orlando deputies rappel from AdventHealth for Children roof in 8th annual 'Elf Rappel'
Deputies from local fire and police departments dressed as elves and dropped in to visit patients as part of an eight-year long tradition bringing festive cheer to kids and families staying at the...
News
Illuminating cancer: AdventHealth uses new tools during lung cancer surgery to save time, lives
AdventHealth is now using a fluorescent dye that lights up cancer cells during surgery, which is providing faster, more accurate treatment for patients.
News
AdventHealth invests $9M in community projects for housing, homelessness and special needs job training
Investments will fund affordable housing in Bithlo and Seminole County, as well as job training programs at Special Hearts Farm and projects with The Salvation Army of Orlando and Cristo Rey Orlando...
News
An incredible journey through two open heart surgeries at AdventHealth
On the newest Inspiring Wholeness podcast, Obie Diaz, local morning radio show host, shares how a routine physical eventually led to two open heart surgeries.
News
Fourth Trimester Program provides enhanced postpartum support for Black mothers
Inspired to change statistics around Black maternal deaths, AdventHealth for Women's Fourth Trimester Program offers enhanced postpartum care for Black mothers with high blood pressure.