Santa spreads holiday cheer to Illinois NICU families

Santa spreads holiday cheer to Illinois NICU families

Each holiday season, Loyola University Medical Center brings a bit of Christmas cheer to some of its smallest patients.

What we know:

CHICAGO - Santa Claus recently stopped by Loyola's neonatal intensive care unit to visit newborns and take photos with families whose babies are spending the holidays in the hospital. 

The annual visit is meant to help parents mark an important milestone during an otherwise stressful time. 

Loyola staff say moments like these are part of a broader effort to support families as they care for their children during the holidays.