A Christmas Miracle: How “Santa” Found His Spirit Again with CFT
It’s not every day you see Santa Claus waving from a hospital hallway. But two years ago, that’s exactly what happened when a stroke survivor, known lovingly as “Santa” for his kind spirit and white beard, put on his suit one last time to visit fellow patients.
He couldn’t talk, but he could wave. And wave he did.
Now, nearly two years later, that same man is back to booking Santa gigs, doing yard work, and living with more energy than anyone expected. His wife credits Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT), following the Gillespie Approach, for much of his recovery.
From Hospital Bed to Healing
Santa was recovering from a major neurological event that affected his ability to walk, talk, and swallow. Doctors told his wife that most brain healing would happen within six months. After he began receiving regular CFT sessions, she noticed shifts: he slept better, his overall energy gradually improved, his dizziness eased in the days following sessions, and he even started doing yard work again as the weather cooled. Her joy grew as progress continued, she felt it was amazing. During sessions, she held the back of his head, feeling the pronounced dip from surgery, and gently supported the tissue as taught during her Craniosacral Fascial Therapy training. Consistency mattered; the light touch and slow fascial releases added up over time.
Healing That Didn’t Stop at Six Months
They told Santa that most of the brain healing would happen in the first six months. The first six months were spent learning to walk, talk, and swallow. There has been incredible healing since then, and especially since he has been receiving regular CFT. Two years later, the progress continues. Better sleep, less dizziness, renewed balance, and, most importantly, joy.
For families supporting loved ones through neurological or developmental challenges, this is a hopeful reminder: healing is not bound by a calendar. The body’s fascia and nervous system can keep improving long after the initial recovery phase.
CFT didn’t just help Santa, it brought healing to his whole family. After attending the CFT training, Mrs. Claus began working on several others in her life.
“I’ve been able to help my 91-year-old stepmother, who fell and broke her arm and who has macular degeneration. She loves the sessions (on her bed!) and says it helps her eyesight. She was also able to lift her arm higher after the treatment. She falls asleep during it!”
She also offered sessions to her daughter and even to her chiropractor.
The Gillespie Approach in Real Life
The Gillespie Approach to CFT is built on the foundation that when the brain, spinal cord, and fascial system are free to move, the body can heal itself more effectively.
In Santa’s case, the fascia around his surgical site likely held tension and compression. Through regular CFT, those restrictions began to soften, improving circulation, nerve flow, and rest.
This same principle applies to children with birth trauma, tongue-tie, concussion, or developmental delays, conditions that benefit from fascial balance and craniosacral mobility.
A Note from Mrs. Claus
“If there is a way for you to reach out to stroke patients, there is a large population who could benefit from it, especially since younger people are having neurological issues these days. I’m loving knowing this protocol and helping my family. Thank you so much for the good work you are doing.”
Her words reflect what many caregivers feel after discovering CFT: empowerment, gratitude, and hope.
Ready to Explore CFT?
If Santa’s story touched your heart, take the next step toward learning more:
Visit the CFT Practitioner Directory to find a certified Gillespie Approach provider near you.
Whether you’re a parent seeking help for your child, a caregiver walking beside a loved one, or simply someone inspired by this Christmas miracle. CFT may offer the gentle guidance you’ve been looking for.
Because sometimes, the most beautiful Christmas miracles begin with a single, healing touch.
