Eric J. Schmitt-Matzen does about 80 Santa gigs a year, but a visit to a children's hospital to fulfill a terminally ill boy's last wish — to see Santa — was the one that almost made him hang up his red suit. After an exchange in which Schmitt-Matzen gave the 5-year-old a Paw Patrol toy to unwrap and ensured that he'll get exactly where he needs to go when he dies if he tells them he's "Santa's Number One Elf," the boy embraced Santa.
"He kinda sat up and gave me a big hug and asked one more question: 'Santa, can you help me?' I wrapped my arms around him. Before I could say anything, he died right there. I let him stay, just kept hugging and holding on to him."
