MemorialCare Miller Children’s Hospital brings holiday cheer to young patients

MemorialCare Miller Children’s and Women’s Hospital Long Beach created a winter wonderland for some of their youngest patients who got to enjoy holiday festivities despite their hospital stay. 

The children enjoyed meeting Santa Claus, playing with therapy dogs, and collecting gifts from hospital employees who volunteered their time to help make a difference in the hospital stays of around 50 children who attended the event. 

The staff at Miller Children’s feels that events like this one are important as they can change how a child views their experience in the hospital.

“For a second or a few minutes the patient and the families they kind of transform, they’re out of their room and they get to participate in something fun,” said nurse Carina Lopez. 

The event meant a lot not only to the patients and employees but to the parents of children who had been staying in the hospital during the holiday season. 

“It’s nice to see her enjoy herself and just be a kid despite everything that’s happening,” said the father of a young girl who had been staying at the hospital. 

Doctors at the hospital also stopped by the event to say hello to their patients and enjoy the holiday celebration. Many felt that attending events made their job easier as they get to see more of the positive side of hospital life. 

As the event came to a close, families and hospital staff enjoyed listening to Christmas carolers and getting to spend time with Santa. 

By Morgan Trivitt

Photos by Karolina Briones