Non-profit uses Halloween parties as therapy for children at LA hospitals



LOS ANGELES (KABC) —

One local group is trying to turn Halloween into a celebration of healing at hospitals, which tend to be scary for children even when it’s not a spooky holiday.

Patients at Shriners Hospital for Children were treated to sweet treats, green goop and colorful crafts. Volunteers from Spirit of Children hosted 88 parties, such as the one at Shriners, all around the country.

For many patients, especially those in pain, getting dressed up in a costume or painting a pumpkin can be more than just a distraction – it can be therapeutic.

For 15-year-old Izzy Anderson, scoliosis has kept her in constant pain. She started getting back surgeries at age 4, but through it all she has never missed a Halloween.

“They’re offering so much for people and it does help,” she said. “It’s just really fun to find fun activities to do for Halloween because it’s my favorite holiday.”

Spirit of Children has raised nearly 30 million for pediatric hospitals throughout the United States and Canada. All the proceeds are dedicated to bringing smiles to children and their families.

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