The Cherese Mari Laulhere Child Life Program at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital transformed a large conference room into a vibrant beach paradise, bringing sunshine and smiles to hospitalized children who are facing serious illness or injury. The annual “Beach Day” event recreated the joy of a classic summer day at the beach—right inside Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital.
From the moment families arrived, they were welcomed with festive floral leis and colorful beach décor. Inflatable palm trees, themed backdrops, and pool floats turned the space into a tropical escape. Children enjoyed interactive games like archery, prize fishing, and jumbo Connect 4, sparking laughter, friendly competition, and moments of carefree fun.
“My son has been at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital for the past three weeks and has missed out on so much of his summer,” says Maria Barragon, mother of 13-year-old Issac Barragon. “The Child Life team organizing this event is wonderful because it gives him something fun to do and helps him feel like he’s not missing out completely.”
Beach Day was made possible through the generous support of the Michele Rae Crane Memorial Foundation and participation from community partners across Long Beach. Patients were thrilled to meet Marvel superheroes and walk the “beach” alongside members of the Long Beach Fire Department. Local organizations hosted beach-themed booths with games, prizes, and treats, while magicians dazzled with tricks and Bubble Mania created an “under the sea” experience with life-sized bubbles.
“Beach Day is one of our most cherished events because it brings the joy and spirit of summer right to our patients, many of whom can’t experience the beach in person due to their medical conditions,” said Rita Goshert, director, Cherese Mari Laulhere Child Life Program, Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital.
The celebration concluded with a special raffle, where lucky winners received Lego sets, toy cars, and oversized stuffed animals, capping off a day filled with joy, wonder, and unforgettable memories.
“It’s so important to create these joyful moments and put huge smiles on our patients faces,” says Goshert. “These children face incredible challenges every day, and events like this provide a much-needed break from medical routines. The smiles we see and the laughter we hear on Beach Day make it worth the effort. These activities not only uplift their spirits but also help brighten the day of our care teams and staff members.”
