On Thursday, Oct. 31, MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach partnered with the Long Beach Fire Department to transform the hospital into a whimsical Halloween wonderland. This creative “trick-or-treating” experience brought joy to young patients, allowing them to enjoy the Halloween tradition despite being in the hospital. The care team at Miller Children’s & Women’s swapped their scrubs for costumes, joining members of the Long Beach Fire Department to create a vibrant, safe, and fun Halloween celebration for hospitalized children.
Guided by child life specialists and Long Beach firefighters, patients wandered through immersive Halloween scenes featuring inflatable spooky trees, ghosts, pumpkins, and other festive decorations, stopping at various decorated themed booths. Along the way, they were greeted by Star Wars characters Darth Vader and his Stormtrooper, and received treats and prizes from the care team dressed as Disney princesses, Minions, Willy Wonka and his Oompa Loompas, Jurassic Park dinosaurs and other classic characters brought to life.
The support from the community and the Long Beach Fire Department inspires both patients and the care team to continue creating these cherished experiences for children. This event, along with many others, is part of the Long Beach Fire Department’s Kids Program, which brings a sense of normalcy to hospitalized children by helping them participate in holiday festivities. Through events and activities, patients and their families can enjoy memorable holiday moments, momentarily forgetting about treatment.
“This annual event is always so wonderful because all of our departments go all out to make this Halloween special for our patients,” says Rita Goshert, director, Cherese Mari Laulhere Child Life Program, MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach. “A lot of our patients may be missing the opportunity to trick-or-treat at home, so we’re glad we can bring the trick-or-treating to them.”
Adding to the magic, a friendly clown transformed patients’ faces into their favorite animals and beloved cartoon characters with face paint, while a talented puppeteer captivated children with an engaging puppet show that had everyone laughing and entertained.
“I skipped work just so I can attend this event with my brother,” says Jamie, sister of 2-year-old patient Joshua. “Today is his birthday, so this event feels even more special. My family also attended last year, and we are so grateful to everyone who made this possible.”
Events like these are organized by the Child Life Program at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach, which strives to bring joy and inclusivity to the hospital environment. The Child Life Program was developed to make the hospital experience more positive for patients and their families by providing developmental, educational, and emotional support during their hospital stay.
