February 6 - we had two parties!
In the morning we went to the Inova Fairfax outpatient clinic for pediatric oncology. The party served 10 children, 4 boys and 6 girls. We had many nail polishes to choose from, a variety of colors of makeup, bracelet making, masks for girls and superhero mask making for boys, boas/tiaras, superhero cape making along with fabric markers (including glitter, puffy, and glow-in-the-dark), and fireman hats.
With our digital printer children were able to take home photos as well. Superman also attended and children were able to pose with him in their new capes and masks! One boy who attended last year as well was ecstatic to create a new superhero cape- his superhero name was 'The Quickster!'
One girl who attended agreed to try out a new lip color and makeup - and then ended up telling our volunteer how to apply her makeup correctly for the future! There was so much joy in the room - she kept cracking up with the volunteers, saying, "I'm laughing too hard!" Another girl who attended enjoyed all the activities possible with a sweet smile - she made her purple and pink cape match her purple and pink nails!
In the afternoon, we went to the pediatric oncology unit at Inova Fairfax's hospital. We served 7 patients, 3 boys and 4 girls, some in the playroom where the party was set up, and others in their rooms. Again we had the variety of activities and supplies provided at the previous party, including Superman! The digital printer ability to print photos to provide to children was a hit.
One of the girls whose room some volunteers and Superman attended exclaimed at what she believed was evidence that he was not a real Superman and laughed while she and Superman joked around. When she saw him in the hallway later as she was being discharged, she broke into the biggest smile and eagerly waved goodbye.
One boy enjoyed the time with us the entire two hours we were in the playroom (came immediately after setup and stayed until cleanup!), even enjoying playing legos with a volunteer and just chatting and drawing other superheroes. Another boy's family who was watching commented on his excitement to create his own cape, mask, and pose with superman. They said, "This is the first time I have seen him smile in two days."
