Patients Board Fantasy Flight to North Pole

(Above) 17-month-old London Ewell can barely contain her joy as she and her mom, Ameerah Ewell, prepare to take off on the United Airlines Fantasy Flight to the North Pole.

Workers from United Airlines at Newark Liberty International Airport -- including customer service representatives, pilots, flight attendants, mechanics and ramp service and management employees -- hosted a "Fantasy Flight" to the "North Pole" on December 12 for children from UMDNJ-The University Hospital and Newark Beth Israel Medical Center.

Nearly 20 children from University Hospital's sickle cell disease practice were on board the aircraft which actually flew over upstate New York -- known for the day as the "North Pole" -- before returning to Newark. After the lively flight, filled with fun provided by a clown as well as Christmas carols led by University Hospital Emergency Medical Technicians who were on board, the children returned to gates 90-91 at the airport. It was festively decorated with activities, lunch and gifts from Santa Claus for each child.