In honor of September’s National Childhood Cancer Awareness and Sickle Cell Disease Awareness month, Jonthan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute patients at the Cherese Mari Laulhere Children’s Village at MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach experienced a magical transformation during their routine doctor’s visits, as beloved Disney characters and other superheroes came to life before their eyes.
Popular characters such as Rapunzel and Darth Vader, along with a Stormtrooper from the Star Wars universe, and Spiderman surprised the children with visits each week throughout September, turning typical days at the clinic into ones filled with joy and excitement. The Cherese Mari Laulhere Child Life Program at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital played an essential role in making this possible, creating unforgettable experiences for patients.
Each visit had its own theme, with child life specialists transforming the clinic into a world of Disney, Marvel or Star Wars. For Disney day, the clinic became a magical wonderland with Princess music, Disney posters, and gifts for the children, including Disney-themed wristbands and ears, as if they had been transported to Disneyland itself.
On Star Wars day, the clinic turned into a galactic adventure with Star Wars posters, stickers, candy, and fun goodies like ‘alien’ slime for the children to take home. Even the child life specialists joined in, wearing themed shirts featuring Star Wars characters to enhance the experience.
On Marvel Day, children encountered Spiderman during their routine doctors’ visits, their faces lit up with excitement. While some children were initially nervous for their check-up, the characters greeted the children warmly, offering hugs and words of encouragement.
“These visits definitely make the day more fun and brighten up my son’s day, especially since he loves Star Wars,” said Jennifer, mom of 10-year-old patient Deklan. “Anything that kind of changes the normal routine is super helpful.”
These special interactions often inspire patients to stay brave and positive, giving them a sense of support during difficult times. The Child Life Program at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital was instrumental in organizing these visits, ensuring that each child felt as though they weren’t just at a medical appointment but rather experiencing something extraordinary. The child life team is committed to creating memorable moments that help reduce the stress and anxiety often associated with medical treatments.
“We know that visiting the doctor can difficult and sometimes a scary experience for young patients,” said Taylor Sinnott, child life specialist, Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach. “Our goal is to brighten up their day. Bringing beloved characters like Rapunzel and Darth Vader, along with gifting them presents, gives these patients something to look forward to, creating cherished moments for both the patients and their families.”
In recognition of Childhood Cancer and Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month, the Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital continues its vital work in providing comprehensive care for children with cancer and serious blood disorders. As a leading pediatric oncology center, the institute offers advanced treatments, clinical trials and personalized care plans designed to meet the unique needs of each patient. Beyond medical interventions, the institute’s multidisciplinary team – including oncologists, nurses, social workers, and child life specialists – focuses on supporting the emotional, psychological and social well-being of both patients and their families.
Through clinical excellence and compassionate care, the Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute and the Children’s Village at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital remain dedicated to raising awareness and improving outcomes for children facing cancer.
