For the first time in history, the Richmond Christmas tradition extended its route to go right by the Children’s Pavilion and Tower and the kids we treat got to watch while staying safe and warm.
Braving the elements in exchange for the best view is what parade-goers typically endure at the Dominion Energy Christmas Parade, but not our patients. A special viewing party was held in our infusion center with a bird’s eye view of Broad Street for the final stretch of the newly extended parade route.
A member of the community reached out to parade organizers earlier this year to see if going by CHoR was an option. The parade director was committed to making it happen, and from that, the idea of a watch party was born.
Caring for kids goes beyond medicine at CHoR
The kids in attendance usually spend time in infusion to receive dialysis or medication through an IV. This time, instead of treatments, the kids got treats, hot cocoa and crafts as they awaited the parade with their nurses and child life specialists. While treating kids is a top priority for our team, setting aside time to have fun with them is just as important.
“Seeing patients in a fun setting is incredibly valuable because it strengthens the bond between nurses and patients,” shared Donna Palmer, a beloved registered nurse in our infusion center, who helped organize the festivities Saturday. “I felt so proud as a provider to help coordinate such a unique and special event, something that had never been offered before.”
Nikki Shanko, whose 10-year-old son Carter spends a lot of time at CHoR for treatment of his cystic fibrosis, says she has gotten to know many families in the hospital setting, but this time it was different.
“Sometimes, especially on the inpatient side, you make relationships with families over sadness, hardships and similarities that are not always the most upbeat,” explained Nikki. “This gathering offered the opposite – we shared smiles, giggles, play and tons of holiday cheer, all while knowing our kids and their families got to experience the 'normalcy’ they might not be able to get outside.”
Watching the parade through her son’s eyes was extra special.
“Carter had no idea what to expect because this was his first parade and being front row center as he watched the balloons emerge from the trees on Broad Street was incredible,” shared Nikki. “He loved that each float waved and acknowledged the kids as they walked by.”
Kids who were inpatient got an extra special treat. Once the parade arrived at the Children’s Tower, the grand marshal, Clifford the Big Red Dog, and other characters from PBS Kids visited our emergency department, pediatric intensive care unit and multiple patient floors. Special moments like these mean so much to our patients and their parents.
“Thank you, Children’s Hospital of Richmond, for always taking care of our boy and our family to the fullest,” said Nikki. “Thank you for offering a safe place for us to gather, with family and friends to kick off the holiday season.”
Read about the other events held at the hospital to make holidays special for patients on our blog.
