VA’s Blind Rehabilitation Team Helps Santa Find His Way – and Saves Christmas

“I love kids and I love what I do,” he said. 

But when the vision-impaired father of 11, grandfather of 19, and great-grandfather of nine broke his long cane – a tool he needs to safely navigate his surroundings – he thought he’d have to disappoint a lot of children.    

Far from home and in an unfamiliar environment without the cane he relied on, Westberg was scared, and not sure where to turn. 

That’s when VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System’s (VAGLAHS) Blind Rehabilitation team stepped in. They rallied to meet the moment and were able to bring Westberg a new cane that very same day – ensuring Santa could return to his duty station. 

“It was wonderful,” said Westberg. “They didn’t just save me. They saved Christmas.”

The Power of Teamwork

Though the white-bearded Westberg has worked as a Santa for many years, this was his first time traveling 1,600 miles from home for the job. But due to his exceptional Santa skills, he was requested specifically. 

“I thought, I’ll be away from home a long time ... but for the kids, I’ll do it,” he said.

But almost as soon as he arrived, his long cane unexpectedly broke, and he was unable to fix it.  

Not sure what to do, Westberg decided to call Wes Hodgson, Visual Impairment Services Team (VIST) Coordinator for VA Central Iowa Healthcare. 

“Wes is just fantastic and always on the ball,” said Westberg. “He just jumped on it right away.” 

Hodgson knew exactly who to reach out to: VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System’s (VAGLAHS) Blind Rehabilitation team, led by Section Supervisor Ted Zadourian. 

Though Zadourian was on leave that day, he responded to Wes right away and connected him with Lisa Mitchell, Visual Impairment Services Team (VIST) Coordinator. 

From there, Mitchell was able to reach Westberg on the phone. “I reassured him that we were going to figure it out,” said Mitchell, who’s been working in blind rehabilitation for nearly 30 years. 

“For a person who is visually impaired, the long cane becomes like their eyes. It ensures they’re safe when they travel” she said. “I’m sure it was very frightening for him.”

Mitchell and Beatriz Sanchez-Fields, Blind Rehabilitation Specialist, immediately came up with a plan. Though Sanchez-Fields had a full day of Veteran visits, she would pick up the long cane after her last appointment and meet Westberg at his place of work: the Santa Monica Promenade.

It was a packed Friday afternoon before the holidays. Traffic was gridlock. Parking was chaos. At first, Sanchez-Fields even ended up at the wrong location.

But when she finally stepped into Santa’s Workshop and saw Westberg in his red suit, everything shifted. “All the stress just melted away,” she said. “It was the holiday spirit I needed.” 

A Lifeline for Veterans

While small – seven people in total – the VAGLAHS Blind Rehabilitation team does incredibly important work helping Veterans learn to adapt and maximize their quality of life.

At West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, the Blind Rehab team is located right next to the eye clinic, so when a Veteran is diagnosed with a vision impairment, the provider can do a warm handoff to the experts.

Mitchell is often the first person to speak to a Veteran after a diagnosis. She says many believe they can no longer do things they love or are used to doing, but she’s there to challenge that belief.

“I paint a picture of possibility,” she explains. “If you’ve only lived your life one way, you can’t even think of another way. But they just haven’t been exposed to a new way of doing things.” 

As an instructor, Sanchez-Fields spends most of her time going into Veterans’ homes and helping them learn new skills and techniques to adapt to vision impairments. 

Whether that’s getting onto the bus, making food, crossing the street – you name it, she can help a Veteran learn how to do it. 

“When I walk out of a Veteran’s home knowing they can do something they couldn’t do before, knowing something has changed – that’s what keeps me going,” said Sanchez-Fields, who’s been with VA for 20 years. 

“It is a great honor to serve these Veterans,” added Mitchell. “Being able to help someone regain or maintain at least some of their independence is everything. I think that what we do is just very powerful.”

Mitchell encourages other VA providers to reach out to the Blind Rehab team for help or guidance in assisting visually impaired Veterans. “We’re here as an available resource.” 

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart”

Westberg expressed profound gratitude for the actions of the Blind Rehab team on that pivotal day. 

“Beatriz was just so sweet and nice,” said Westberg. “Everybody just went above and beyond, especially at Christmas.”

Hodgson echoed the appreciation, writing a warm thank you email to the team. 

“This kind of dedication and responsiveness exemplifies the outstanding I CARE Values (Commitment, Advocacy and Excellence) of your team,” Hodgson wrote. “Beatriz and Lisa’s prompt actions ensured Mr. Westberg’s safety and provided immediate support during a critical moment. I sincerely thank you both for your remarkable dedication and 'can-do' attitude in resolving this unique situation.”

While Mitchell was thrilled that they were able to help Westberg, she said this type of effort isn’t unique. 

“I’m so proud of our team. Everybody is like Beatriz, willing to do go above and beyond,” she said. “We do whatever we need to do for these Veterans. If they need something, we are on it.” 

Westberg said he’s even considering coming back to Santa Monica to play Santa again this holiday season.

And if he does, he knows he won’t be alone.

“I can’t express how much it meant to me,” he said. “I love what I do and I do it because it makes people happy,” he said.