'Sensitive Santa' event in Peoria marks possible final outing for teenager in hospice care

Andrew Wickert, 13, sat in his wheelchair at Christ's Church of the Valley's Peoria campus on Thursday night, smiling as he was helped with playing an iPad game while keeping warm and cozy thanks to a Toy Story blanket and Lightning McQueen plush toy on his lap.

The church's Sensitive Santa event likely marked the last public outing for the teenager, who is currently in hospice care. He was born with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess fluids build up in the brain, and has undergone more than 50 surgeries throughout his life.

Gordon Wickert, Andrew's father, said any further sickness could quickly become fatal for his son, and that he would likely not take him out after Thursday in order to extend the family's remaining time with him as much as possible.

"We just wanted to make a special night with Santa before the end," he said, adding that Thursday's event would be "one of my favorite memories for the rest of my life."

The church partners with the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix to put on Sensitive Santa, which church leaders said provides a less overwhelming experience than what may be found in typical Santa meet-and-greets at malls or other crowded settings.

The event also includes activities such as cornhole with snowballs, ornament decorating and inflatables.

Wickert said Sensitive Santa's inclusive, accepting vibe can't be found everywhere.

"I feel the exact opposite of what I felt in the mall when people would come up like, 'what's wrong with your kid?'" he said. "Here they're like, 'I love your kid!' even though he's totally a little different. But different is just a different ability ... that's actually a light to this world if you can see it."

Wickert and his family started attending the church specifically for its ministry for people with disabilities. He described it as a "world-class" setting for his son.

"It's like Disneyland for him," he said. "He loves coming, he doesn't want to leave, he never misses. He never cries here, but at other places, he cries all the time, so we know he loves it here."

Gordon Wickert said his son, who is nonverbal, doesn't need words in order for his passion for God and the church to shine through.

"Andrew's never said a word in his life but he speaks through his smile," he said. "He's the happiest kid you'll ever meet even though he's been through so much. This place helps bring joy — Jesus brings you joy you can't even explain."

Though he's shed countless tears for his son, Wickert has found peace through his faith. He started his own ministry, Hope in Numbers, and shares updates on Andrew through its Facebook page.

On Thursday, he pointed to the rubber bracelet on his wrist inscribed with Romans 12:2, coincidentally matching the date of the event.

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind," the verse states.

"The pattern of the world is what you see on the news like death, death — all these negative things," Wickert said. "Here, death is a good thing. We know we're dying, we go to heaven. It's sad, but we know where he's going and I'm going there and soon we'll be reunited with no more sickness and no more pain."

Sensitive Santa provides 'love and Christmas spirit'

Pastor Laura Moller, who leads the church's ministry for people with disabilities, said last year's Sensitive Santa was a drive-thru event because of the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that it's "just so fulfilling" to be able to provide a safe and comfortable atmosphere for families this year.

"These families that have children and adults with special needs have felt so secluded," Moller said. "They're really excited to be back out and part of the community and we're just excited to show them some love and some Christmas spirit."

That sense of community at the church is what Gordon Wickert said has helped his family through their difficult journey.

He described to The Arizona Republic the ways church members have stepped up to support them over the years, whether by buying dinners or watching his and his wife's other children while they tend to Andrew.

The campus itself also holds deep meaning to him, given how he celebrated his wedding and had his final outing with his son there, surrounded by his church family.

"It means the world that all of his friends got to come here and say goodbye to him in this amazing atmosphere with people that love him extremely," he said.

Andrew Frevert's family has similarly never looked back after joining the church upon their move to Arizona in 2017.

Though he and his son Lincoln, who is on the autism spectrum, stood in line for about 10 minutes to visit Santa on Thursday evening, it was nothing compared to the hour-long wait they'd experienced at a mall prior to their move from Colorado.

Frevert said he's grateful for the church's attention and care for people with disabilities.

"It means so much because they're so inclusive and they really put the special needs ministry right at the top of the list, for not just the kids or even the adults that are part of that, but the entire families," Frevert said. "It's just so uplifting and such a great thing to be a part of it. It's kind of amazing what they do and how personable they are."

Lincoln Frevert drank hot cocoa as he relayed his experiences at the event, which included telling Santa what he wanted for Christmas and "eating as much junk food as I can."

"I like running around out here — I like everything," he said.

Thursday marked Eric Robinette's 26th birthday. There was no place he'd rather celebrate than at the church, where he enjoyed the "beautiful, beautiful lights."

"It's always a good time," he said. "They have a lot of people and a lot of food and games, too."

Robinette is on the autism spectrum and was nonverbal until he was 5 years old. He had a difficult time coping with sensory input, often screaming and crying because of noise, according to his mother, Theresa Robinette.

In the years since, she said her son has "spread his wings" and become "an amazing light to this whole world." He regularly participates in the church's events, such as its annual SHINE dance, and serves as a greeter, excitedly welcoming people to the campus.

She attributed his growth to the church's ministry, which she said fosters "tolerance and patience and love."

"To have people reach out to us with open arms and open hearts and open minds, we just feel like family here," she said. "It feels like you're at home and you're safe, which is a big thing, and you're having fun and that's what they're about. They're about sharing their lives and bringing you closer to God — it's just amazing."

Two additional Sensitive Santa events will be held at the church's Avondale and East Valley campuses on Thursday, Dec. 9, from 6 to 8 p.m. Those interested in attending can register on the church's website.

Reach the reporter at bfrank@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-8529. Follow her on Twitter @brieannafrank.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 'Sensitive Santa' in Peoria returns in person for 2021