Leukemia-Stricken Castro Valley Teen Receives Visit From Santa

CASTRO VALLEY, CA — A procession of fire trucks and California Highway Patrol vehicles wound through Castro Valley on Saturday, ending at the home of 14-year-old Austin. The teen has leukemia and is scheduled for a bone marrow transplant.

Austin will be in the hospital on Christmas day so Santa paid an early visit to the boy, riding in an Alameda County Fire Department truck instead of his sleigh.

After passing around presents to Austin and his family, Santa read a letter to Austin. He told the teen, "All of these great people are here to support you and to wish you some Christmas happiness. And also to let you know that you are not alone in your battle. So, when you have one of those days, when you're not feeling well, just remember this day and all of these people."

Austin and his family also took a ride in the fire truck, that was covered in well-wishes for the boy.

The fire department posted a video about the special day on social media.

Follow Alameda County Fire on Facebook.