1Children in hospitals often miss fun holiday events, like Halloween. Usually, these children cannot go trick-or-treating, which is the activity children do when they go from door to door asking for candies. This is why the Walt Disney Company and Starlight Children’s Foundation bring Halloween activities to them in hospitals.
2This year, the two organizations had fun activities, sent costumes, books and toys to 450 children’s hospitals. Disney fans also contributed to this initiative by buying costumes from Disney online shops. This helped Disney to donate 20000 costumes to sick children. This is part of Disney’s ongoing efforts to deliver joy to children facing serious illnesses.
3At Cohen Children’s Hospital in New York, Disney and Starlight hosted a party. Actor Aulii Cravalho, the voice of Moana in the animated film Moana, visited the children and played with them. “Cravalho spent time singing and coloring with children in the hospital’s hall before going upstairs to meet kids who couldn’t leave their rooms,” said a mother.
4Disney and Starlight initiatives are making a big impact on children’s lives. They help patients feel like their favorite Disney Princess, which reduces their stress and brings joyful memories for families during their hospital stay. “After the stressful week we had, this was the biggest blessing,” said a patient’s mom. “The moment my daughter put on the dress, she said ‘Mom, I’m a princess!’ It’s amazing to see her happy, relaxed and motivated. It makes the hospital experience less scary, and the kids feel comfortable,” added the mother.
5Disney’s kindness isn’t limited to the United States. In June 2016, Disney provided funds for Disney Fun Houses at 50 children’s hospitals across China. Featuring Disney characters from beloved films, Disney Fun Houses provide young patients with a space for play activities animated by local volunteers. In South Korea, Disney created a play space at Guro Hospital. This area offers a playground for children. It is also equipped with Disney books and a TV screen displaying Disney animations. This is an example of the company’s program, which is worth $100 million, to bring joy to child patients in hospitals across the globe.
6Disney and Starlight have worked together for more than 20 years to bring happiness to children in hospitals. Their main objective is to make the hospital experience brighter and bring smiles to kids. Collaborations like this make an enormous difference for patients facing serious illnesses. These initiatives are needed worldwide to break the routine; it’s a time for kids to just be kids.
Adapted from: www.impact.disney.com
