EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
The annual Halloween parade took place Oct. 30, with participants making their way through the hospital to hand out treats and celebrate with patients.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Amanda, a nurse practitioner at the hospital, said the annual celebration brings a sense of normalcy to patients, especially those receiving cancer treatment.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
For families, seeing those moments of happiness can mean just as much.<\/p>\n
Erika Martinez, whose child Viviana is a patient at the hospital, said seeing her daughter’s smile made the event especially meaningful.<\/p>\n
“Just seeing her smile from ear to ear makes all the difference in the world,” Martinez said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Viviana also shared how much fun she had during the celebration.<\/p>\n
RECOMMENDED: Third annual Ysleta D\u00eda de los Muertos invites families to a free Lower Valley celebration<\/a><\/p>\n