The event capped off a day of celebrating two years in the Children’s Tower
Dozens of emergency vehicles with lights and sirens in full effect were a welcome sight during a special night at the Children’s Tower yesterday.
More than 50 fire trucks, ambulances and patrol cars took part in the now annual tradition called goodnight lights. The parade was organized to celebrate the second birthday of our Children’s Tower with patients, their families, providers and hospital staff.
Watch first responders celebrate Children’s Tower patients at goodnight lights
An annual tradition that brings smiles to patients, providers and first responders
The tradition started when our state-of-the-art pediatric care facility opened on April 30, 2023, as a way to help patients settle in for their first night in their new hospital rooms and has been a part of the birthday festivities ever since.
“Two years ago, we opened our 16-story Children’s Tower, bringing pediatric inpatient, emergency and Level I trauma care under one roof. Seeing our first responders celebrate our patients that night brought tears to my eyes,” said Jeniece Roane, Ph.D., vice president of operations for CHoR. “This is an event that shows in a huge way how special our community is, and that we’re all here to support our children. To be a part of it is truly unforgettable.”
But the impact isn’t just felt by caregivers and their patients. The first responders find the event just as meaningful.
"VCU Police is proud to help shine a light on the life-changing care and relationships built at CHoR each and every day. It fills our officers' hearts each year to see these amazing children, families and providers shine their lights back to our team on the street,” VCU Police Chief Clarence T. Hunter Jr. said. “To me, lights are a connection between points, and we hope these young people can see our officers are in their corner during their health journey."
A generous donation from DPR Construction to the Children's Hospital Foundation helped make the evening extra special, supplying meals for families and participating first responders, along with gifts for patients in the hospital.
The Children’s Tower is celebrating many milestones from the past year on its second birthday, including the opening of the region’s first pediatric cardiac lab, the debut of its 3,400 square foot Child Life Zone, and establishment of its first pediatric brain tumor biobank to aid research and treatment.