TOUCHDOWN: Helicopter delivers Santa to SRMC

RIO RANCHO — On Dec. 18, a helicopter dropped off Santa Claus at UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center — A Campus of UNM Hospital (SRMC) to bring some holiday cheer to staff and patients. 

"I think it's really special for the staff," SRMC's Executive Director of Ambulatory Clinics Jennifer Torbaghan said. "It gives the staff that sense of holiday excitement, joy and community."

It was a festive day for SRMC as staff dressed up in holiday attire, ate cookies, drank eggnog and awaited the arrival of Old Saint Nick. 

"When Santa comes in the helicopter, you'll see staff standing on this side of the building because there's big windows, and that's because they want to see Santa. That's always fun for me to watch," said Nancy Santiesteban, who is the associate chief nurse at SRMC.

There was a gingerbread house contest, an ugly sweater contest, some staff members brought their children, and one staff member even dressed up as the Grinch. 

"SRMC has the best employees, and I love to just give back to them and make them happy," said Elizabeth Marquez, who dressed up like the Grinch for the fourth straight year.

Marquez said she watched the 2001 film "How the Grinch Stole Christmas Christmas" to get into character and added that it takes her two hours to put on her Grinch costume and paint.

Santa arrived around noon, along with Mrs. Claus, some elves and a dog named Jake. 

"We're doing what we do best, and that's making merry," Claus said.

Claus also brought along a big green bag full of gifts that he would give to nearby children. In a nice turn of events, the Grinch made a truce with Santa and helped him deliver presents as well.

In the SRMC main lobby, Santa made sure to take pictures with plenty of people near the Christmas tree as a backdrop.

Then, he worked his way throughout each level of the hospital. He took selfies, was the main star in group pictures, and spoke with patients and offered words of encouragement.

"We'll do it again next year, the next time Santa needs to come out and get some green chile and biscochitos," Claus said, who visited the UNM Children's Hospital before coming to SRMC.