NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County says its pediatric patients enjoyed a “frightfully fun” Halloween.
The sprawling hospital in the epicenter of the Caribbean community in Brooklyn said on Wednesday that its Pediatric Department staff and Marsha Page, a New York Emmy nominated, makeup artist and beauty expert “made sure some of the hospital’s youngest patients enjoyed Halloween.”
“I am so grateful to be able to bring Halloween fun and cheer to children who aren’t able to get out to trick or treat and participate in activities other children are enjoying today,” said Page, a make-up artist for NBC Universal and Fox News Channel, whose work has been seen at the Tribeca Film Festival, Mercedes Benz Fashion Week and Parents Magazine.
“As a mother of two daughters who absolutely love and enjoy Halloween, I always think of the children who aren’t able to enjoy it in the same way,” she said. “This year, my team and I are happy to do what we can, to help the children of Kings County Hospital feel valued and important, because they are.”
Kings County said several pediatric inpatients, ranging in age between 18 months and 15 years, were able to participate in the Halloween treat.
“The youngsters were granted some time to forget their illness, which itself is much needed medicine,” the statement said.
“Hospitalizations are difficult for everyone, especially children,” said Lisa Rose, assistant director of nursing, Pediatrics Department. “It’s hard to see a child excited about something they cannot participate in. With the help of our community we are able to make this Halloween memorable for our patients.”
After having their faces painted, the excited youngsters enjoyed lunch sponsored by Kings County pediatric staff, then went “trick or treating” within the pediatric inpatient unit, and around specially designated areas within the hospital, according to the statement.
“I’m constantly inspired by the imagination and artistry of children — they’re the next generation of creatives themselves! Makeup allows for self-expression, and on Halloween, you can transform yourself into anything you can dream of,” said Anastasia Soare, whose company Anastasia Beverly Hills donated the make-up that brightened each child’s face.
“There’s no greater joy than brightening a child’s day and making life feel a little more magical,” she added.
“For a small moment these children are happy and are able to forget that they are in the hospital, and parents feel good when they see their child smile or laugh,” said Dr. Ninad Desai, chief, NYC Health + Hospitals / Kings County Pediatric Department.
