Nov. 1, 2021
Contact: Deidra Ashley, ashleyde@missouri.edu
Spending Halloween in the hospital is not most kids’ idea of fun, but employees at MU Children’s Hospital understood the assignment. Instead of kids dressing up and going out, employees donned their best costumes and brought goodies to patients and their families in a reverse trick-or-treat. Check out photos from the celebration.
The Child Life team dressed as characters from Toy Story. Link, the facility dog, completed the set with his Jessie costume.
Reverse trick-or-treating at Children’s Hospital is a favorite tradition among hospital employees. The event started more than 20 years ago.
To help ensure patients’ safety during COVID, only Women’s and Children’s Hospital employees were allowed to walk the halls this year. Dozens of MU Health Care employees donated candy and other treats to be passed out.
Courage and determination are not only traits of our youngest patients — they’re also the foundation of the Gryffindor house, featured in occupational therapist Katie Graznak’s costume. "The reaction on the kids’ faces when a costume is done well and recognized is priceless,” Graznak said. “Even better when the child believes you are the actual character and you can bring a little magic to their hospital stay.”
Pollinators unite! Social worker Lacey Prater and nurse practitioner Sheila Zawieja found a fellow flying pollinator along the way.
Emoji you happy to see me? Members of the social workers team made a special visit to the pediatric intensive care unit to spread some cheer (and candy … lots of candy).
“The best parts of reverse trick-or-treating is the staff involvement and the excitement from patients, families and staff,” said child life specialist Brittany Riley. “It's a really special hour when everyone is celebrating, smiling and bringing the magic of getting to dress up to the hospital.”
Michael Valladares plays with child life specialist Erica Kahle, who was dressed as Hamm from Toy Story. "He really enjoyed playing with the pig,” said his mother, Heydy Vallareres. “He loves animals, so it made him happy to see the pig, penguin and dinosaur.”
