Locals of the Millennial and Gen-Z generations sat on Santa Gene’s lap at Meadowbrook Mall and it’s likely some of their kids visited him at various other venues.
Gene Eubank, who is often referred to as “The Real Santa” has spread joy to children since he filled the Jolly Old Elf’s position at the mall in the mid-1990s.
But of late, some hard times have fallen upon him and his wife Vera. Both have recently been diagnosed with cancer and have faced treatments, surgeries and, of course, some tough decisions.
On Jan. 15 of this year, Gene was taken to United Hospital Center for a CT scan after experiencing what had appeared to be a stroke or seizure. He had been at work – at Genesis Youth Center – when he was found slumped at his desk and subsequently fell.
The scan indicated a brain tumor and he was transferred to Ruby Memorial Hospital. He was scheduled for surgery to possibly remove the tumor but advised that some serious side effects could occur. As it turned out, his medical team could not remove the mass, but did do a biopsy to learn more about it and determine a regimen of treatment.
His son, Gene III, said that will likely include chemotherapy or radiation to shrink the tumor and then possibly remove it later. They await results.
Gene III has been living with his parents to take care of them and their house. Vera was diagnosed with uterine cancer in August of 2024.
In addition to being faint and experiencing some falls, she had also had stomach pain and gas. Bloodwork indicated a potential serious problem and she was told by her primary care physician to admit herself to the hospital. She eventually wound up at West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh, where her diagnosis was confirmed.
“After more tests – MRIs and CT scans – they discovered a massive cancerous mass in her uterus and some spots on her colon and some tiny spots a couple other places,” Gene III said.
After a series of chemo treatments, the main tumor shrunk, and she was scheduled for surgery on Dec. 27.
In the meantime, Santa Gene’s mother, Mary Ann Welks Eubank, passed away and was laid to rest just prior to Christmas.
“Then, after Christmas, (Vera) was back at the hospital to have surgery to remove the mass,” Gene III said. “She had a complete hysterectomy and was told she may have to have a colostomy, depending upon what they cut out of the colon, but they didn’t have to touch her colon because the chemo had taken care of that.”
Vera came home on New Year’s Eve. She and “Santa Gene” spent a couple of weeks together before he started his own journey back to health.
This week, she will visit her doctor to find out her next step.
The couple has been married 47 years. He is 68 and she is 66 years old. They have two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. It was children who inspired Gene II to pursue a position at Genesis Youth Center, as well as the side gig at Meadowbrook Mall.
“He does it all for the kids,” Gene III said. “He really is a gigantic kid himself if you really think about it.”
He appeared annually at the mall until about 2013, after which he started his own business and was hired by various retailers, photographers and other businesses.
Vera didn’t join her husband as Mrs. Claus, but she has worked to keep his appearance up to par, including the bleaching of his beard and brows and keeping his Santa suit in pristine condition.
Since starting a “Prayers for Santa Gene” Facebook page, the outpouring of love has been ongoing. People have posted memories and photos. People have traveled from other states and even Canada to meet “Santa Gene.” In addition to kids, members of the U.S. military have delighted in getting photos taken with him.
“He has quite a following,” Gene III said.
Even though the Eubanks have insurance coverage, they have encountered and continue to encounter some hefty medical bills. Between that and frequent travel, they have experienced some financial woes. Those who would like to help can visit the Go Fund Me page recently set up. You can visit that HERE. And, of course, the family very much appreciates any prayers sent up on their behalf.
Visit the “Prayers for Santa Gene” Facebook page HERE, where you are encouraged to post your photos and leave messages of encouragement.
Photos are courtesy of the Prayers for Santa Gene Facebook page.
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