Hospitalized Kids Fly To ‘North Pole’ From Newark Airport (VIDEO)

NEWARK, NJ — A group of hospitalized children and their family members recently got to take a simulated flight aboard a United Airlines jet at Newark Airport to a nearby terminal decorated like the North Pole.

Some of the children who participated are battling serious illnesses and have never ridden on a plane.

The excited youth were treated to a memorable visit with Santa Claus and his elves, along with former New York Giants running back Otis Anderson, with live music provided by the NJPAC Orchestra.

Watch video footage below, or view it online here.

Amirah Chaney, whose daughter, Ziloh, is a patient at Children's Hospital of New Jersey at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, said they were grateful for the invitation.

“I just want to thank everybody that put this together for all the kids,” Chaney said. “It's such a wonderful experience that these kids get to encounter.”

Other patients came from facilities that included RWJBarnabas Health Children’s Health Network at The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.

“What a terrific experience,” said Mark Manigan, president and CEO of RWJBarnabas Health.

“I would like to thank United Airlines for what they did here at Newark Airport, aligning with like-minded organizations to create an incredible experience for these children,” Manigan added.

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