Superheroes, princesses, and storybook characters filled the imagination of young patients at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital on Tuesday, October 14, during the annual Spirit of Children Fall Festival.
Hosted by the Child Life Department in partnership with the nonprofit Spirit of Children, the event gave patients the chance to select their very own costumes, from cute animals to magical fairies, while enjoying festive arts, crafts, and sweet treats.
For children unable to leave their rooms, child life specialists brought the fun to them, delivering costume choices and goodie bags bedside so every child could join in the excitement.
“A lot of our employees have personal connections to Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, including myself,” said Liz Vasquez, a representative for Spirit of Children. “My daughter received care here, so giving back like this is our way of saying’ thank you.’”
The Fall Festival is part of Spirit of Children’s ongoing mission to make hospitals less intimidating for kids by supporting child life programs that use play and creativity to help children cope with medical treatment.
Since 2013, Spirit of Children has raised more than $1.3 million for Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, directly benefiting the Child Life Department and its therapeutic, educational, and emotional support services.
For many patients, the festival was more than a day of picking costumes; it was a reminder that even in the hospital, there’s always room for a little magic and joy.
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