The halls of USA Health Children's & Women's Hospital buzzed with Halloween spirit as staff members donned costumes and distributed treats to young patients on Thursday morning of last week.

In a festive transformation, the hospital hosted a fall festival aimed at bringing joy and a sense of normalcy to children and their families, many of whom are navigating difficult health journeys.

Staff members, dressed in colorful costumes, delivered everything from classic candy to small toys like plastic guitars and squeezable Legos. For patients who were unable to leave their rooms, bedside visits ensured that every child received a taste of the Halloween celebration. Bags brimming with treats and novelty items brought smiles to the faces of children confined to their beds, offering a special moment of fun despite their circumstances.

The fall festivities were not a one-day affair; in the weeks leading up to Halloween, patients and their siblings were invited to select costumes from a generous donation by Spirit Halloween stores. From superheroes to fairytale characters, each child had the chance to pick out something unique to wear, not just for the festival, but for other holiday-themed events held in the hospital's classrooms and its tree house play area.

USA Health's Mapp Child and Family Life team coordinated the event, incorporating research-driven practices to enhance the patients' hospital experience. According to USA Health, studies show that familiar activities and celebrations, like Halloween, can help normalize the hospital environment, easing the stress on young patients and their families. This sense of normalcy has been linked to better emotional and physical outcomes, benefiting not only the children but also their caregivers.

USA Health's child life specialists — a team of four — were also on hand to support the event. These specialists work year-round to make hospital stays more manageable for young patients, using therapeutic play, procedural preparation, and other supportive activities. Whether it's through holiday festivities or day-to-day care, USA Health remains committed to supporting children and families through every step of their health journey.