Boy with special needs shares special moment with Santa
Christmas came early for Cassiel Santos.
The 7-year-old, nicknamed 'Cass,' was surprised with a special visit at his home by the big man himself, Santa Claus, who was called in specifically to spread some Christmas magic.
Cass’s mother, Cynthia Gonzalez, arranged for Santa to visit her son at their home in Palmetto, Florida, with the help of The Secret Sleigh Project, a nonprofit that organizes Santa and Mrs. Claus visits for kids who are unable to leave their homes because of illnesses.
Cass is non-verbal and has close to 15 diagnoses including cerebral palsy, visual impairments and epilepsy among other chronic health issues, his mother said.
Gonzalez called Cass’s visit with Santa “magical.”
"He’s such a smiley kid. But in that moment, I personally haven't seen so much laughter come out of him,” Gonzalez told "GMA."
Cass and his family spent an hour with Santa, where he answered the boy's questions about the North Pole and even sang Christmas classics with him like "Feliz Navidad."
Gonzalez posted a video on Facebook of Cass's "Feliz Navidad" singalong with Santa which has over 24,000 views and counting.
Cass is a huge fan of all music and anytime a song plays, he smiles instantly, according to his mother.
The family likes to have music playing nearby Cass’ wheelchair -- not only for him to enjoy -- but as an icebreaker for the kids who approach Cass and are unable to understand his circumstances, she said.
Gonzalez said it’s hard for parents, especially parents of children with special needs, to pay a visit to Santa or deal with big crowds at the mall which makes groups like the Secret Sleigh Project so important.
The Secret Sleigh Project’s founder Sarah Kordis saw the video of Cass and said she too couldn’t get enough of his infectious laugh.
"We really don’t want any kiddo to not get a visit. It’s worth it all of those hours when we get to see stories like his," Kordis said.
Gonzalez said she's inspired by her son's joy and positive outlook.
"He is my inspiration," she said. "He just proves that he doesn’t allow his circumstances to define him."
