EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — Halloween arrived a little early at El Paso Children’s Hospital, where staff and community partners dressed in costumes to bring holiday cheer to young patients.
The annual Halloween parade took place Oct. 30, with participants making their way through the hospital to hand out treats and celebrate with patients.
For children receiving care in the hospital’s inpatient hematology and oncology unit, the event offered a chance to experience some of the fun and excitement of Halloween while away from home.
Amanda, a nurse practitioner at the hospital, said the annual celebration brings a sense of normalcy to patients, especially those receiving cancer treatment.
“We get so excited to have our annual Halloween party on our Hem-Onc floor. It’s a little different for our Hem-Onc patients because it brings a little normalcy into their lives, even though they’re admitted on our inpatient floor. It brings costumes and life and happiness to their faces,” she said.
For families, seeing those moments of happiness can mean just as much.
Erika Martinez, whose child Viviana is a patient at the hospital, said seeing her daughter’s smile made the event especially meaningful.
“Just seeing her smile from ear to ear makes all the difference in the world,” Martinez said.
She also praised the care and support her family has received from the hospital’s seventh-floor oncology staff, saying events like the Halloween celebration make a big difference for patients and their families.
Viviana also shared how much fun she had during the celebration.
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