A North Texas Santa spread Christmas cheer at Methodist Dallas Medical Center, posing for photos at the staff holiday party and putting the entire team on the “nice list” for saving his wife’s life with a liver transplant.
“I can never repay what you all have given me,” says Thomas McDonald, known affectionately during the holidays as Santa Thomas back home in the Sherman area. “Mrs. Claus wasn’t able to come with me today, but she wouldn’t be here at all if it wasn’t for this hospital.”
Lisa McDonald, who sometimes plays Mrs. Claus to her husband’s St. Nick, credits the Methodist Dallas staff for putting her on the path to recovery this spring after her transformative transplant.
“I’m just thankful to be alive,” Lisa says. “Other than God, I owe my life to all their care.”
Months after the McDonalds returned to Methodist Dallas for a special “Christmas in July,” Thomas returned in December to express their gratitude. Thomas, dressed in his full Santa suit, posed for photos while the hospital treated staff to a bounty of holiday treats.
“These doctors, these nurses, and even the housekeepers — it’s an amazing group of people,” Thomas says. “And I love every one of them. I just want to let them know Santa’s thinking of them.”
STAGE 4 LIVER FAILURE
Lisa had bravely faced stage four liver disease before her April 2024 surgery, performed by Vichin Puri, MD, director of surgical oncology at Methodist Dallas.
“The liver could not maintain its function, so I was able to perform the transplant for her failing liver,” Dr. Puri says. “We’re really pleased with her overall progress.”
Dr. Puri commends Thomas not just for his seasonal cheer but for his unwavering support for Lisa throughout her health journey.
“They make a great team. He was always very supportive of his wife,” Dr. Puri shares. “She’s done well because he’s at her side.”
Drawn together by Lisa’s artistic criticism, the McDonalds built a family together.
MET IN GRADE SCHOOL
Thomas and Lisa’s love story spans five decades, originating from a playful encounter in eighth-grade art class that blossomed into a lifelong partnership. Reflecting on their journey, Thomas fondly recalled the magic words that stole his heart.
“When I was turning in my artwork, she said, ‘You traced that.’ That’s when I turned and looked at her, and that was it.”
Little did Lisa know, her playful critique marked the beginning of a love story that surpassed all expectations.
“I thought, well, he’s cute and everything, but I just don’t think he’s my type,” she recalls.
Turns out, he very much was her type: They are months away from their 50th wedding anniversary, a milestone supported by the dedicated care of the team at Methodist Dallas.
“Everyone, from the surgeons all the way to the housekeepers, is a vital part of our family,” Thomas says. “I’m so thankful for everything everybody did for her.”
The McDonalds joined Dr. Puri (center) and other members of the transplant team for “Christmas in July.”
CHRISTMAS IN JULY
For more than a decade, Thomas has brought Santa to life around Texoma, with Lisa joining him as Mrs. Claus.
“That’s his professional job, especially around Christmastime, but I think he carries that Santa-esque demeanor throughout the year,” Dr. Puri says. “It’s always festive around him.”
During Lisa’s recuperation, Thomas brought joy to hospital corridors dressed in full Santa attire, spreading Christmas spirit with his beard and golfing attire.
He now hopes to continue spreading holiday cheer year-round. Whether embodying Santa’s spirit or simply showing kindness, he aims to bring happiness to others while cherishing the extra moments he gets to share with Lisa by his side.
“She’s my best friend,” he says.
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