Hospitalization is difficult, but holidays are even more difficult.
“When August rolls around, people ask us what we’re going to do for Halloween. We buy invitations and plan parties,” says Dana Thornquist, UI Health Certified Child Life Specialist.
Thornquist and her team are going above and beyond for Halloween.
The room will be decorated and all the hospital staff will appear in costume.
“This holiday is so special because the whole hospital participates,” she added.
Barbie dolls and superheroes lined the halls of the pediatric floor, while patients trick-or-treated and got lots of candy and snacks.
This event is not only encouraging for young patients, but also for their parents.
“It’s amazing what the staff, doctors and nurses here do for our children,” said Dolores Napoles, mother of an 11-year-old patient.
“I’m glad my daughter was able to enjoy her first Halloween,” said Sierra Ellis, mother of a 3-month-old patient. She said: “Given her condition, it’s hard not being able to take her home and she’s a bit stressed out. But they made it comfortable and we’re really grateful.” Masu.”
UI Health staff is looking forward to celebrating the holidays with loved ones.
“Seeing kids smiling and doing normal things instead of being teased or receiving bad news is so important for short-term and long-term coping,” Thornquist said. , it means a lot to us.”