An opportunity to take a fantasy journey to Santa’s headquarters is open for all children who face serious illnesses.
Operation North Pole, a Des Plaines nonprofit, is accepting applications for the fantasy trip, a journey between Des Plaines and Rosemont scheduled for Dec. 9, from families with children who have a debilitating, life-threatening or terminal illness, according to the village of Rosemont website. The first 75 families that apply and meet the criteria for the program will be offered the chance to take a “Fantasy Trip to the North Pole,” regardless of where in the country they live or what medical facility is providing their care.
The program includes a train ride from the Des Plaines Metrastation to a “Winter Wonderland” in Rosemont’s Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. Information and application instructions are available on the program’s website, www.operationnorthpole.org.
Families may attend the event only once; transportation to and from Des Plaines is not provided. Applications are open to families with children age 12 and younger who face an illness that is terminal, life-threatening or could result in permanent disability, the posting said.
Activities are expected to span 10 hours, so children must be currently healthy enough to participate. Signed parental releases for use of images and authorization to contact medical care providers are required. Parents of children with special sensitivities or allergies should be aware the event can be noisy and includes bright lights, horses and dogs; the program cannot provide food for special diets. Families with children needing wheelchair access are encouraged to apply early, the posting said.
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