Pediatric patients at Maimonides Medical Center got a rare respite from the routine of hospital life when a team of “superheroes” took a break from fighting crime and swung by for a surprise visit on July 31.

Five professional window washers from Continental Cleaning Services traded their regular work attire and squeegees for superhero costumes — Batman, Superman, Spider-Man, Black Panther and Wolverine — and rappelled from the roof of Maimonides to the pediatric unit’s sixth-floor windows, turning an ordinary morning into a heartwarming, morale-boosting spectacle. After their airborne entrance, the quintet of metahumans visited the hospital’s 25-bed pediatric inpatient unit and pediatric emergency room, shaking hands and posing for photos.

Window washers dressed as superheroes rappelled down the side of Maimonides Medical Center before surprising pediatric patients with a special visit inside the hospital.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann The superheroes turned an ordinary morning into a heartwarming, morale-boosting spectacle for pediatric patients.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann

The special event, long in the works, was a collaboration between the Environmental Services team and hospital staff, explained Alexis Ellis, director of Maimonides’ Patient and Family Support and a certified child life specialist.

“We thought it was a cool idea. It took a little while of planning, but our partnership with EVS made it happen,” Ellis said, noting that the surprise visit was a welcome distraction and morale booster not only for pediatric patients being treated for a range of illnesses, including cancer, but also for staff.

“Being in the hospital is hard, and so when you have a little bit of a fun distraction, it makes the days a little bit easier,” Ellis said. “This really changed the mood of the day. You get a little more excitement, a little less of just the sadness of being here for a long period of time. Families are scared. They’re worried, and if we can make even a small part of this experience better for them, that’s what we strive to do.”

Valerie Fequire, senior director of Environmental Services at Crothall Healthcare, said Continental Cleaning Services embraced the idea and brought in its team when she presented the concept.

“I truly believe that healing is not just about medicine; it’s about joy, bringing some laughter and smiles to our patients. So we’re excited to do this today,” Fequire said. “The kids were as excited as we were. This hospital is all about collaboration. We take pride in what we do here, and these events are as exciting for the whole hospital.”

5-year-old Imran was excited about the unexpected encounter with superheroes and meeting his favorite character, Wolverine.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann The event was also a morale booster for Maimonides staff.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann

Pedro, a window washer who became Wolverine for the day, told Brooklyn Paper that brightening the children’s day was an “amazing” experience for him and his colleagues.

“I loved to see those kids happy and smiling,” Pedro said.

Families said the visit was a much-needed distraction for their children.

“Personally, I think it’s really amazing that people take the time out to bring joy to the children when they’re going through such a hard time,” said Jenis Diaz, whose child is a patient in the pediatric unit.

Superhero-clad window washers brought smiles to pediatric patients during a special visit at Maimonides Medical Center.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann Superhero-clad window washers brought smiles to pediatric patients during a special visit at Maimonides Medical Center.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann

Five-year-old Imran, a patient in the pediatric emergency room, was thrilled by the unexpected encounter with the superheroes and meeting his favorite character, Wolverine, who gifted him a pair of claws. Imran’s father, Ali, said the visit brightened his son’s day.

“He was surprised to meet the superheroes, especially with the upcoming movie Spider-Man,” Ali said.

The visit coincided with the July 31 U.S. theatrical release of “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.”