While the mission of St. Petersburg’s Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital is to create healthy tomorrows for all children, they understand today’s childhood experiences are equally important. Their dedicated Department of Patient and Family Centered Care team creates memorable events for children facing hospitalization during special holidays.
Reverse Halloween
Families unable to leave the hospital on Halloween can still participate in the popular trick or treat pastime. A generous donation from Spirit Halloween’s charitable foundation, Spirit of Children provides fun costumes and accessories for patients and their families to choose from, free of charge.
“Reverse trick or treating” allows children to collect candy from the comfort and safety of their own room. Hospital staff dress up and visit each child’s room to deliver Halloween treats. Their own facility dog, Brea, and her pet therapy canine friends parade the halls in costume for extra entertainment.
In addition to memorable experiences, these innovative programs are intended to make life easier and remove added stress from families already facing many challenges. Providing a sense of normalcy as they celebrate holiday traditions is equally important.
All Kids Wonderland
On Saturday, Dec. 10 and Sunday, Dec. 11, the Department of Patient and Family Centered Care will host their annual All Kids Wonderland. The free “shopping” event is designed for inpatient parents and caregivers, as well as other families that demonstrate a need.
The first floor of the Outpatient Care Center is transformed into a winter wonderland to allow families the joys of the holiday season without being far from their loved ones who are receiving care.
Gifts are on display in designated rooms to provide a convenient and no-cost opportunity to “shop” and choose toys and gift-wrap essentials. Families are offered a personal shopper to help guide them around the large-scale makeshift shopping extravaganza. The Department’s largest event is estimated to serve 250+ families.
“We have seen families become overwhelmed with tears of joy because they are so thankful,” says Heather Bailey, M.S., CCLS, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Child Life Program Manager.
“It is very moving to see how much happiness this brings to our patients. It is why we keep bringing All Kids Wonderland back each year.”
These meaningful holiday experiences would not be possible without the generosity of the Greater Tampa Bay area. Individuals or businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities can contact [email protected] or call 727-767-4199.
By Jennifer Kennedy.
