Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital received a surprise visit that brought movie magic to life thanks to the Los Angeles Ghostbusters, a volunteer cosplay group known for spreading joy in hospitals. With their signature Ectomobile parked outside and proton packs in tow, the team turned hospital halls into a playful ghost-hunting adventure, sparking smiles and wonder in young patients throughout the day.
“Levi is absolutely obsessed with the Ghostbusters—his entire kindergarten class even calls him ‘Ghostbuster Levi,’” said Raymond Tuason, Levi’s dad. “Just last month, he had a Ghostbusters-themed birthday party, so having the real-life Ghostbusters visit him here at Miller Children’s was truly a dream come true. It made his whole day.”
The visit was filled with unforgettable moments, from trying on proton packs to receiving Ghostbusters-themed gowns. The Ghostbusters visited patients in groups of three, leaving room for one very important recruit: the patient. Each child was invited to become the fourth member of the team, and to make it official, the Ghostbusters even radioed into headquarters to confirm the newest addition to their squad.
Events like these bring joy and emotional relief to children facing medical challenges, reinforcing Miller Children’s & Women’s commitment to creating a supportive, uplifting environment where kids can still be kids.
“The Ghostbusters' visit turned an ordinary day at the hospital into an extraordinary adventure,” says Rita Goshert, director, Cherese Mari Laulhere Child Life Program. “Their iconic gear and themed gowns brought laughter and so much excitement, providing a wonderful distraction from our patients’ daily routines.”
The visit was made possible through the Fandom with a Purpose initiative by Starlight Children’s Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to delivering happiness to hospitalized children and their families. As part of the initiative, Ghostbusters fan groups across the country raised money to fund Ghostbusters-themed Starlight Hospital Gowns, designed to help kids feel like honorary recruits. In addition to the gowns, Starlight donated activity PAKs to patients, which contain crafts & activities designed just for kids.
“We’re incredibly grateful to be part of something that brings real joy to kids facing tough challenges,” says Jeremy Treat, Los Angeles Ghostbusters representative. “Seeing their faces light up when we walk in with our gear, hearing their laughter, and knowing we helped make their day a little brighter—that’s why we do this.”
The Cherese Mari Laulhere Child Life Program at Miller Children’s & Women’s plays a vital role in ensuring that hospitalized children still have opportunities for fun, creativity, and engagement. By partnering with organizations like Starlight Children’s Foundation, the Child Life team creates experiences that lift spirits and make hospital stays a little easier.
“The visit from the Los Angeles Ghostbusters and the donation from Starlight Children’s Foundation have brought immense joy to our patients and their families,” says Goshert. “These Starlight gowns not only provide comfort but also spark conversations and create memorable moments with the medical staff.”
