On Thursday June 20, 2019, we visited the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital in Palo Alto, CA. We met the hospital’s Child Life coordinator and discussed the plans for the day. We set up make-up, nail polish, tiara, superhero, and activity stations in the in-patient alcove area and the out-patient waiting area. The in-patient area was decorated in purple, gold, and yellow. There were 5 kids that stopped by the in-patient alcove. One tiny guy, RJ, was so little he was being pulled around in a wagon. He was so excited about his superhero cape. 

There were 9 kids that visited the out-patient table. A princess castle background and superhero skyscape background were set up for photos. The kids really enjoyed the temporary tattoos and enjoyed the superhero sayings. One teenage girl had to be dragged over to the table by her mom. She picked out a tiara and a superhero cape and her entire face and demeanor lit up. Her mom was so excited by this change and said she would pack the tiara and cape in the car for each time they had to come to for treatment. 

Eight kids were staying at the hospital, so the volunteers prepared goody bags of stuff to take for bedside visits. Bags were packed with makeup, superhero capes, activity books, stickers, and tattoos. Lupita was happy to see us and loved the glittery makeup. She couldn’t wait to share it with her sister who was arriving later that afternoon. Two of us gowned up to visit Amal who was super excited for a make-over. She picked out glittery purple eyeshadow and nail polish to match the tiara that she loved. She really enjoyed the special treatment and her mom was happy to see her in a good mood. One of our volunteers spoke Spanish and really connected with a young boy named Israel. He was shy at first but was excited to have visitors and really loved his superhero cape. 

Overall, the visit was a great success and the start of a fantastic new partnership in the San Jose area. 

Thanks to our volunteers from Cerenovus: Rosary Gaoteote, Chris Picht, Laura Irigoyen, Jun Catanyag, Waleska Albino-Rodriguez, Jennifer Moffatt, Sarita Dave, Mario Sykes, and Oscar Morales.