Written by: TFVstaff • November 1, 2020• Halloween

Spirit of Children Won’t Let Halloween Get Canceled for Pediatric Patients

Rallies communities to fundraise record $11 million for fun and healing at local hospital Child Life Departments

Patients at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital received a special “reverse trick-or-treat” visit today from “Franky the Robot,” A.K.A. an iPad on wheels, to follow social distancing guidelines. The hospital visit was part of Spirit of Children’s annual tradition hosted around this time of the year for patients.

In lieu of this year’s event, and to ensure Halloween is not one of the childhood hallmarks being canceled this year, Spirit of Children delivered one-of-a-kind care packages to the hospital. They contained assorted costumes, activity books, crayons and treat bags to keep patients engaged at the bedside this year.

“While COVID-19 has limited in-person activities and events at the hospital, we are excited to work with our friends at Spirit of Children to make sure our patients enjoy Halloween while staying safe,” said Matthew A. Love, President and Chief Executive Officer of Nicklaus Children’s Health System.

Patients had the chance to dress up and play games and activities alongside their family members despite having to spend the night at the hospital this Halloween.

“Spirit of Children has been at the heart of our organization for more than a decade,” said Steven Silverstein, President and CEO of Spirit Halloween. “We are honored to bring a sense of normalcy to some of the toughest times a family and child go through, and that dedication doesn’t stop in a pandemic. We are determined, now more than ever, to bring the magic of Halloween to pediatric patients, even if we can’t be there in person this year.”

Spirit of Children is a partner of Nicklaus Children’s Hospital through the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals program. Nicklaus Children’s is the exclusive Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe Counties.

With a focus on making hospitals less scary for kids and their families, Spirit of Children set a record goal of raising $11 million, mainly through donations raised in Spirit Halloween stores. Since its creation in 2006, Spirit of Children has raised more than $65 million specifically on behalf of Child Life Services at Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals across the United States and Canada.

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