Mega Doctor News
A hospital stay can be intimidating for any patient. For children, though, the unfamiliar environment and separation from loved ones can intensify feelings of anxiety and fear. What is a place of healing can sometimes feel intimidating, and even the bravest young patients can struggle as they navigate that uncertainty.
In its commitment to delivering high quality, compassionate care beyond clinical treatment, South Texas Health System (STHS) Children’s provides a range of developmental, educational and therapeutic interventions that help children and their families acclimate to the hospital environment through the facility’s Child Life Program.
“The services offered by the STHS Children’s Child Life team play an essential role in supporting the emotional and developmental needs of our pediatric patients,” said Lance Ames, Chief Executive Officer of STHS Children’s and STHS Edinburg. “In moments that can feel overwhelming for a child, this team brings comfort, clarity and courage. By helping children understand their care, cope with stress and find moments of normalcy during their hospitalization, the facility’s Child Life program far more than assist in healing; they bring light into some of the most challenging days, ensuring we care for every part of the child’s wellbeing.”
The STHS Children’s Child Life Program thrives because of strong community partnerships. Spirit Halloween’s continued support plays a key role in transforming the hospital environment into a space that feels less intimidating and more comforting for pediatric patients.
Since 2018, Spirit Halloween has supported STHS Children’s through its annual Spirit of Children initiative, which operates during the Halloween season and donates a portion of locally raised funds from its stores to children’s hospitals across the country.
In the Rio Grande Valley, five Spirit Halloween locations generously contribute a portion of proceeds from the sale of Halloween costumes, accessories and décor, along with additional donations from local customers to the Child Life Program at STHS Children’s each year. Thanks to this continued community support, Spirit Halloween has donated more than $320,000 over the past seven years, helping create a more comforting and childfriendly environment for young patients.
“Spirit Halloween’s generosity has become a powerful beacon of joy for the children in our care, “says Ames. “Because of their unwavering support, we’re able to create unforgettable moments and inspire laughter, comfort and radiant smiles that help transform even the toughest of days.”
Following the successful 2025 Halloween season, Spirit Halloween presented a $68,780 donation to the Auxiliary to South Texas Health System Children’s on Thursday, February 19, 2026. The contribution represents an 8% increase from the previous record of $63,187, donated in 2024 after the 2023 Halloween season. This year’s gift sets a new milestone for the partnership and brings Spirit Halloween’s eight year total contribution to $389,638.
“Spirit of Children is more than a program, it’s the heartbeat of who we are at Spirit Halloween,” says Whitney Thompson, Rio Grande Valley District Manager, Spirit Halloween. “Through this initiative, we’re able to pour genuine love, joy and hope back into the communities we call home. By partnering with STHS Children’s, we’re not just donating, we’re helping create moments of light, laughter and courage for the children who need it most. Seeing a child’s face brighten, even for a single moment, is the greatest gift we could ever receive. It’s why we do this, and why we’re already looking forward to delivering our next check to support the extraordinary work happening inside this incredible facility.”
Harnessing the energy and imagination of Halloween, the retailer’s Valley locations continue to transform the hospital experience, turning fearful moments into ones filled with comfort and reassurance for young patients. STHS Children’s is profoundly grateful to Spirit Halloween and its Spirit of Children program for their unwavering generosity, which brings meaningful relief and support to families across the four-county region during what can often be an emotionally overwhelming and stressful time.
“Thank you to Spirit Halloween for this incredible partnership and thank you to the people of the Valley who have supported it over the last eight years. This year’s record donation simply wouldn’t be possible without the tremendous generosity of our community,” says Tom Castañeda, System Director of Marketing & Public Relations, STHS. “Every person who shopped at Spirit Halloween or chose to give at the register played a vital role in making this record-breaking contribution a reality. We are deeply grateful for the support that allows us to continue creating meaningful, uplifting moments for the children and families we serve.”
To learn more about the partnership between STHS Children’s and Spirit Halloween, as well as the facility’s Child Life Program, visit STHSChildrens.com.
