ORLANDO, Fla. – Patients and families at Nemours Children’s Hospital got a surprise visit from Santa and his elves outside their windows on Wednesday.
The window-washing crew from A-1 Orange Exterior Building Services helped bring holiday joy as they interacted with the children while dressed as St. Nick and his helpers.
“An event like this brings not just cheer to our patients and families, but it brings holiday cheer to our staff too,” child life specialist Gloria Leyva said.
Patients and their families were able to draw on windows and play games during the interaction with the crew outside.
Scott Ward’s four-year-old granddaughter, Sloan, took part in the event after undergoing a procedure on her hand.
“This is awesome. We’re from Michigan, so we like snow and to come to this, it was a complete surprise,” Ward said. “It’s a great Christmas experience.”
A-1 Orange has been providing services at Nemours since the hospital opened its doors in 2012 and the crews help entertain patients while doing their work twice a year.
The event was hosted by the Child Life program, which helps make the hospital experience easier and more comfortable by providing non-medical treatment and healing through play.
“They get a sense of normalcy. They get a sense of just being a kid and get to see Santa and elves,” Leyva said.
For details about the Child Life program at Nemours, visit https://www.nemours.org/services/support/orlsupport/childlife.html
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