As Halloween approaches, many families prepare for festive activities and costume parties; however, for some children facing health challenges, the joys of the holiday can be overshadowed by hospital stays. At the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), significant efforts are made to bring a sense of normalcy and fun to young patients during this time. Organised by the Child Life programme, Halloween celebrations are meticulously planned months in advance to ensure that children can participate in the festivities, even while receiving medical care.
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The hospital collaborates with Spirit of Children—a charitable initiative run by Spirit Halloween stores—allowing customers to contribute directly to child life programmes by making donations at registers. These funds provide costumes and other Halloween-related items to brighten the days of children in hospitals across the country, including patients at CHOP.
Maureen Diggory, the Child Activity Coordinator at CHOP, explains that the planning process involves an evaluation of previous Halloween events, taking patient feedback into account to enhance the experience. The team actively engages with Spirit of Children early on to secure a range of costumes, reinforcing the importance of maintaining the holiday spirit within the hospital walls.
CHOP’s Halloween celebration will unfold in individual patient units and the hospital’s larger cafeteria. This year, unique activities include a reverse trick-or-treating event where Child Life staff will distribute treats like fidget toys and stickers to children in their rooms. Additionally, special Halloween parties will be organized in playrooms for those unable to attend the larger gathering downstairs.
In the cafeteria, patients can indulge in crafts, games, and even partake in what has been described as a “spooky dance session.” Diggory emphasizes the communal aspect of the celebrations, allowing hospital staff to contribute by decorating department doors, which patients can explore in a fun “trick-or-treat crawl.”
Parents of patients, Vicki and Dan Szostek, articulate how crucial these celebrations are for their family. They acknowledge the difficulties of being in a hospital during special occasions and recognise the joy that comes from the hospital creating festive experiences. “It’s a joy to take a break from constant worry and stress,” they state, stressing the importance of fostering moments of joy for both children and families.
The Szosteks express profound gratitude towards Spirit Halloween for their support of child life programmes. They stress how vital such contributions are in allowing children to embrace the spirit of Halloween irrespective of their medical circumstances, providing families with comfort and a momentary escape from the realities of hospital life. “When your child can just be a kid, it means everything,” they add.
Diggory reflects on the significant impact that holiday celebrations have within the hospital environment. Witnessing the joy on families’ faces as they experience festive activities gives the team a deep sense of satisfaction. “For many families, it means relief that they don’t have to worry about providing costumes for their kids, and joy at seeing their child engage in Halloween, despite the circumstances,” she explains.
The efforts of CHOP’s Child Life programme, supported by donations from the public, highlight the delicate balance between providing medical care and nurturing the emotional well-being of young patients. As Halloween draws near, the commitment of staff and volunteers to ensure a memorable experience for children continues to shine, reminding everyone involved of the healing power of joy and community spirit during difficult times.