The beginning of Sandy Puc Photography’s Santa Charity was based on a mother’s thankfulness and her desire to give back to the people who helped her family when they needed them the most.
Nikolai Puc was just days old when he was rushed to Children’s Hospital for the first time.
Sandy Puc recalls, “I felt very prepared for a third baby. He was having trouble eating. I was a little concerned, but obviously when they let me out of the hospital I felt like I’d done this a couple of other times, I’m pretty good at this. I took him home and he was a sleeper. He just slept and slept and slept.”
“Every night I would worry about him. I had this weird overwhelming fear, and I kept telling myself you’re an idiot, where is this weird energy coming from.”
When Sandy’s church volunteered to bring over food, she almost asked them not to because friends and family had already provided so much.
According to Sandy, “They brought it over and left. And then about two hours later one of the ladies called and she said, ‘Oh my gosh, I forgot to bring dessert. Can I bring it over?’ I said no we don’t need it, and she insisted. She’s like - nope, I have to.”
The church member, who is a medical professional, brought the dessert and then spent some time visiting with Sandy.
“At that time I had picked up Nikolai out of the bassinet and was holding him wrapped in a blanket. I remember she asked how I was doing, and I said, I think I am losing my mind. I am so freaked out by this kid. She said, let me take a look at him.”
Based on Nikolai’s color her next words were, “Call 911.”
Sandy says, “You think about miracles and gratitude - if she didn’t forget the dessert, if she wasn’t in the medical field, there are so many little miracles that happened that kept Nikolai here. That started this whole process of trying to figure out Nikolai. And it was doctor visit after doctor visit. He had the craziest symptoms.”
Nikolai’s heart had stopped beating on multiple occasions and his low oxygen levels required oxygen tanks and a cannula for the first 18 months of his life.
“It was a long year of testing without many answers. I couldn’t work because I was at the hospital all the time. My clients were amazing! They were so patient with all of it. That is really how my business started to grow was without me,” says Sandy.
When the doctors finally gave Nikolai the all clear to be off oxygen, Sandy’s first reaction was sheer panic. She explains, “In my mind that was his lifeline.”
The doctors at Children’s Hospital gently reassured her that this was a good thing. Sandy says, “I knew we’d come so far. His test scores were getting better and better. I sat there and looked around. It was like one of those very warm, part nerves, part gratitude just can’t believe we’re here moments. Couldn’t even imagine Nikolai’s face without the cannula.”
She continues, “When I left I could not stop thinking about the nurses and doctors. They’d become my friends. They knew Nikolai and they cared about Nikolai. I almost felt like I was losing my friends, but I was so grateful. I was pondering the whole thing and I thought, how can I thank those people. That’s when I said I’m going to donate $100,000 to Children’s Hospital. That’s my goal.”
Instantly the idea of having a Santa Charity where she could donate a portion of the revenue to Children’s Hospital came to mind. Now in its twenty seventh year the Sandy Puc Photography Santa Charity has raised over $100,000 for Children’s Hospital.
“We did it. We hit our goal, but we have not stopped.” Sandy continues, “ Our Santa is amazing. He is the reason people keep coming back.”
Sandy explains just what an exceptional relationship she, and her family and clients, has developed with their Santa. “From that first year, our Santa walked in with these amazing sparkly blue eyes. He’s talking to the kids and is just Christmas spirit magnified by one thousand! He became our Santa, and he comes back every year. There are generations that have been part of this. It’s such a tradition for them. He turns on magic.”
This year Sandy Puc Photography’s Santa will be turning 89 in December. His birthday is, of course, on Christmas day December 25th.
Sandy Puc Photography has been a member of the Littleton community for decades, and it is a priority for them to continue to provide support and give back by hosting multiple fundraisers and events throughout the year. Some of their larger annual charity events include Easter, America Forever, Halloween, and the Santa Charity.
Every year the Santa Charity is a special event for Sandy. She explains, “We love running charities all year long… but this one is my story.”
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