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Hospital Event Proves Tricks (And Treats) Are For Kids

Crystal L. Lauderdale/Tampa Tribune

Bobby Clayton Dunn, 2, tries on a costume nose while his father, Lindsey Dunn, looks on. The family was visiting Clayton's older sister Rachel Stiles who is receiving treatment at Shriners Children's Hospital where for the second year in a row Spirit Halloween Superstores hosted a Halloween fun day for patients and their families.

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By LENORA LAKE, Tribune correspondent

Published: October 21, 2007

Updated: 10/20/2007 03:56 pm

USF CAMPUS - Dana Wyche applied black and red paint to a miniature pumpkin.

The 9-year-old from Bartow said she felt 'like a real artist.'

Dana, a patient at Shriners Hospitals for Children-Tampa, was one of about a dozen patients and their siblings who participated in the second Spirit of Children Day. The event Tuesday was sponsored by Spirit Halloween, a seasonal retailer specializing in costumes and decorations.

'You get to have fun, and it the pumpkin looks so beautiful and colorful,' Dana said.

In addition to painting pumpkins, the participants, some wearing braces on their legs and some using walkers, listened to Halloween music, read Halloween books and had their faces painted.

They also selected Halloween costumes from a collection of about 40 that included robots, cheerleaders, Power Rangers, pirates, witches, vampires, Spider-Man and Superman. Accessories included hats, princess's tiaras, swords and lighted wands.

Decorations included a moving ghost, posters and a tree made with orange lights. The decor and costumes will stay with the hospital for use at the Oct. 30 Monster Mash party and Oct. 31 for trick-or-treating.
Tara Deering said events such as the Spirit of Children Day help make the patients' lives 'as normal as possible,' even though some can be hospitalized for surgery and rehabilitation for several months.

'Many celebrate Halloween, and we want them to have the holiday to look forward to, even if they can't celebrate it with their families,' Deering said. 'This is part of growing up and dressing up.'

Some were able to bring their families to the Spirit of Children Day celebration. Lacy Adams, 11, from Bonifay in the Panhandle had a butterfly painted on her face like a mask. She was at the hospital with her family. Her sister, Rachel Stiles, 15, is a patient.

Bill McGrath, district sales manager for Spirit Halloween, said the company was celebrating Spirit of Children Day at 34 children's hospitals across the country. It is the second year for the project.

Participants at each hospital were assisted by managers from nearby stores.

Heather Shores, manager of the Clearwater store, assisted with the Tampa celebration.

'I've got children, and my oldest was in the hospital a lot. It's nice to give back,' Shores said.

Correspondent Lenora Lake can be reached at (813) 865-4851 or llake@tampatrib.com.

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