Mega Doctor News
EDINBURG, Texas – Being in the hospital can be an overwhelming experience for anyone, especially children. Between unfamiliar surroundings, separation from friends and family, and the need to undergo medical procedures, young patients can often face added stress and anxiety during their hospital stay.
This Halloween season, South Texas Health System (STHS) Children’s is once again teaming up with Spirit Halloween to bring a little spooky-season magic to the hospital and help make the experience less intimidating for pediatric patients.
For nearly a decade, Spirit Halloween has generously supported the STHS Children’s Child Life Department, which provides developmental, educational and therapeutic programs designed to help children and their families cope with the challenges of hospitalization and adjust to the hospital environment.
Through its national Spirit of Children initiative, Spirit Halloween’s five Rio Grande Valley stores donate a portion of proceeds from the sale of costumes, accessories, décor and other seasonal merchandise to STHS Children’s through the Auxiliary to STHS.
Over the past eight years, those contributions have exceeded $380,000, helping support hospitalized children year-round, not just during the Halloween season.
“Spirit Halloween’s generosity has made a meaningful difference for our patients over the years, helping us provide everything from sensory play equipment to arts and crafts supplies that offer children a welcome distraction during their hospital stay,” says Lance Ames, Chief Executive Officer, STHS Children’s and STHS Edinburg. “These activities not only give our patients the opportunity to play, create and simply be kids, but also help ease some of the stress and anxiety they may be feeling.”
Spirit Halloween’s commitment extends well beyond financial support.
Every October, the retailer partners with the Auxiliary to STHS to host a special pre-Halloween celebration at STHS Children’s, ensuring hospitalized children can enjoy the excitement of the season despite spending Halloween in the hospital.
During the event, patients and their families receive free Halloween costumes and treats while enjoying festive arts and crafts, interactive games, face painting and other seasonal activities designed to bring the spirit of Halloween directly to the hospital.
“There’s something special about seeing a child light up over Halloween, even while facing a health condition that requires a hospital stay,” says Tom Castañeda, System Director of Marketing & Public Relations, STHS. “This annual celebration allows our patients to focus less on being in the hospital and more on simply being kids. From choosing the perfect costume to having their faces painted and participating in Halloween-themed activities, the event creates joyful moments and lasting memories for our patients and their families.”
This year’s Spirit Halloween party will take place on Wednesday, October 14, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. in the pediatric playroom on the third floor of STHS Children’s.
All hospitalized children are invited to attend. For patients unable to participate because of medical restrictions, hospital staff will bring costumes, treats and activities directly to their rooms so they can still share in the celebration.
“The Spirit of Children initiative is at the heart of what we do, and we’re proud to once again partner with STHS Children’s and the Auxiliary to STHS to bring the excitement of Halloween to children who may not be able to celebrate in the traditional way,” says Whitney Thompson, Rio Grande Valley District Manager, Spirit Halloween.
Through the continued support of Spirit Halloween and its Spirit of Children initiative, STHS Children’s can help ensure that even during a hospital stay, young patients have the opportunity to experience the joy, wonder and magic of Halloween.
For more information on this event and additional information on Spirit of Children, including how you can support the initiative while saving money on your Halloween costumes, visit STHSChildrens.com.
| Who: | South Texas Health System Children’s |
| What: | Spirit Halloween Party |
| When: | Wednesday, October 14, from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. |
| Where: | STHS Children’s Third Floor Pediatric Playroom1102 W. Trenton Rd. Edinburg, TX. 78539 |
