Halloween costume party to support kids in the hospital

The Children’s Hospital University of Illinois will host a trick-or-treating parade, costume contest and party for pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) patients and their families on Halloween.

WHEN:

Oct. 31
10:30 a.m. to noon

WHERE:

UI Health
1740 W. Taylor St.

DETAILS:

Joined by hospital leaders, doctors, nurses and staff, the Children’s Hospital University of Illinois will celebrate Halloween with a special party for pediatric and NICU patients and families, including a trick-or-treating parade, costume contest, face painting and crafts, like pumpkin decorating. The parade will begin promptly at 10:30 a.m., followed by a pizza party and activities for trick-or-treaters.

The festivities are led by the hospital’s child life program, which ensures that “kids feel like kids, even when they are in the hospital,” said Dana Thornquist, child life specialist. “Being in the hospital does not change the fact that kids need to play, laugh and celebrate. This party will allow kids to experience a fun Halloween and will help them forget that they are sick.”

Thornquist is available for interviews. Media should contact Jackie Carey at [email protected] or 312-996-8277 for information on how to access the hospital.