babies in costumes

For kids in pediatrics hospitals, celebrating around the fall season and the holidays can be difficult and disappointing. However, Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, in partnership with Spirit of Children, is helping each patient safely celebrate the season while they continue to navigate the challenges of COVID-19 and their hospital stay.

Patients were treated to celebration kits on Friday, October 29 — each with a costume, activity books, crayons, and treat bags. Child Life Specialists circulated throughout the units passing out the kits.

Spirit of Children focuses on making hospitals less scary for children and their families by partnering with Child Life Departments working to create more comfortable hospital environments. Child Life Specialists provide healing through medical play and therapeutic disciplines to help normalize the hospital experience.

Spirit of Children has raised more than $590,000 for Children’s Hospital over the last eleven years — not including funds raised this year — through donations made to Spirit stores in the Inland Empire.

See photos of patients in their fun costumes below.