Mega Doctor News
EDINBURG, Texas – Halloween came a little early for young patients at South Texas Health System (STHS) Children’s as colorful costumes, sweet treats and festive activities transformed the hospital’s pediatric playroom into a spooktacular celebration.
Spirit Halloween once again teamed up with STHS Children’s for its annual pre-Halloween party on Wednesday, October 14, bringing the excitement of the season to children who might otherwise miss out on traditional Halloween festivities while receiving medical care.
From choosing their favorite costumes to enjoying Halloween-themed arts and crafts, interactive games and face painting, patients had the chance to set aside their hospital stay for a little while and simply enjoy being kids.
Check out the gallery below to see more images of the spooktackular event at STHS Children’s. All photos courtesy of STHS
“I had so much fun,” exclaimed Ricardo Perez, a patient at STHS Children’s who chose an EDM costume. “I loved picking out what I wanted to wear and getting to celebrate Halloween early.”
For children undergoing treatment, being in the hospital can mean missing special occasions and treasured childhood traditions. Celebrations like this provide a welcome sense of normalcy while creating memorable moments for patients and their families.
“Seeing my child smile and get excited about Halloween, even while we’re in the hospital, means more than I can put into words,” said Miguel Perez, father of a patient at STHS Children’s. “Today gave us a chance to forget about everything else for a little while and just be happy.”
The celebration is made possible through Spirit Halloween’s national Spirit of Children initiative, which supports pediatric hospitals by funding programs and services designed to make the healthcare experience less intimidating for children.
Over the past eight years, the retailer’s five Rio Grande Valley stores have contributed more than $380,000 to STHS Children’s through the Auxiliary to STHS, helping provide toys, sensory play equipment, arts and crafts supplies and other resources for hospitalized children year-round.
Beyond that support, the annual celebration gives Spirit Halloween team members a special opportunity to connect directly with patients and see firsthand the impact of their partnership.
“Halloween is all about having fun, dressing up and making memories, and we believe every child deserves to experience that excitement, no matter what they’re going through,” said Amanda Fox, District Store Manager, Spirit Halloween. “Being able to bring a little piece of Halloween to these children and see their faces light up is incredibly rewarding.”
For patients unable to leave their rooms due to medical restrictions, the Halloween fun came directly to them. Hospital staff and costumed characters made special bedside visits, delivering costumes and treats to ensure no child missed the festivities.
“My son wasn’t able to leave his room, but Deadpool came in to surprise him, which was so sweet since that’s his favorite character,” said Talina Palacios, mother of a patient at STHS Children’s. “Seeing him so happy really made my day. It’s little moments like this that truly mean a lot when your child is in the hospital.”
Through its continued partnership with Spirit Halloween and the Spirit of Children initiative, STHS Children’s is helping ensure patients can still experience the wonder and magic of childhood traditions while receiving care.
“When a child is in the hospital, our responsibility extends beyond providing quality medical care. It’s also about creating moments of comfort and joy and giving our young patients opportunities to simply be kids,” said Kennetha Foster, MSN, MHA, RN, Chief Operating Officer, STHS Edinburg and STHS Children’s. “We’re incredibly grateful to Spirit Halloween for helping us create those special moments and for continuing to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients and their families.”
Valley residents can support the Spirit of Children campaign at five participating Spirit Halloween stores:
• McAllen: 1801 S. 10th St.
• Mission: 501 S. Conway Ave.
• Pharr: 1001 E. Expressway 83
• Harlingen: 2020 S. Expressway 83
• Brownsville: 4465 Frontage Rd.
Throughout the Halloween season, purchases and customer donations at participating locations help fund Child Life programs and resources for children and families at STHS Children’s.
“This Halloween season, we hope Rio Grande Valley residents will join us in supporting a cause that’s truly boo-tiful,” said Tom Castañeda, System Director of Marketing & Public Relations, STHS. “Every purchase and donation helps provide meaningful programs and resources for children at STHS Children’s, proving a little Halloween spirit can make a hauntingly positive difference.”
To learn more about Spirit of Children, find a participating store and access an exclusive coupon for 10% off your entire purchase, visit the STHS Children’s website.
