Spring Came Early at LLU Children’s Hospital

LOMA LINDA>> Although it was a week before the first day of spring, the spring season was in the air at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital as patients were treated to a day of interactive fun Monday, March 13. The hospital lobby was transformed for Luke’s Pride Spring Community Day, a fun patient diversionary event that allows local businesses and organizations to see the hospital and bring smiles to patients. This event was set up similarly to a community fair with activities, games and crafts for kids. During the event, LLUCH patient Raul Villalobos, 6, a first grader from Pomona, decorated a picture with his favorite sports equipment and chose a coloring book and crayons. He met Star Wars characters and LLUCH mascot Luke the Lion, who hosted the event. “My favorite thing was the Make-A-Wish booth because I spun the wheel and won a teddy bear,” Villalobos said. The event was coordinated through the LLUCH Foundation and child life services, which works to minimize fears and stress that children, adolescents and families experience during hospitalization. Child life specialists develop age appropriate activities for patients ranging in age from birth to young adult. “When parents visit the event with their children, they see how many of the local businesses and organizations care about their children,” said Dorothy Brooks, community education specialist for child life at LLUCH. “Each booth is unique and it’s wonderful to see the activities they’ve planned to delight the patients and make them smile.” Activity booths were provided by local businesses and organizations including Make-A-Wish Orange County and Inland Empire, Anaheim Ducks, Arrowhead Credit Union, Ashley Furniture HomeStore, Hampton Inn & Suites, Ann Taylor Loft and Green Queen.