Special Events Brighten the Season at Shriners Children's Boston
December was a busy month at Shriners Children’s Boston, as a series of special events ushered in the holiday season for the first time since 2019. Patients and families enjoyed a holiday party and visits from the Red Sox and Bruins, while the Boston Firefighters Burn Foundation (BFFBF) escorted Santa and Mrs. Claus to the hospital in a ladder truck for a festive celebration.
Shriners Children’s Boston was the first stop on the Red Sox’s December caravan to visit children in Boston-area hospitals. Catcher Reese McGuire, outfielder Jarren Duran and pitchers Josh Winckowski and John Schreiber greeted excited patients, posed for photos and presented them with signed baseballs. The players learned about the care provided at Shriners Children’s Boston while getting to know the patients and their interests
After a two-year COVID-19 hiatus, the annual patient and family holiday party made a welcome return. Hosted by the Shriners Children’s Boston child life team, this cheerful gathering in the hospital lobby included arts and crafts, snacks and a visit from Santa.
Shriners truly becomes a home and community for many of our families, and being able to celebrate together again with providers and staff is so meaningful. It can be easy to forget what time of year it is when in the hospital, but we try to honor family traditions and holiday celebrations as much as possible to promote normalization and lift spirits.
Patients had another opportunity to see Santa when the Boston Fire Department gave him, Mrs. Claus and their elves a ride to the hospital in a ladder truck. Volunteers from the Boston Firefighters Burn Foundation have coordinated this special event for many years. Santa and Mrs. Claus also visited over the summer for Christmas in July, another BFFBF-sponsored event. When the jolly couple returned this holiday season, they waved to patients from atop the ladder truck, then headed inside to hear their Christmas wishes. Santa also took the time to present special gifts to children staying on the inpatient unit.
After visiting with patients virtually in 2020, the Boston Bruins stopped by during the week of Christmas to spread some holiday cheer. Jake DeBrusk and Nick Foligno delivered a donation of toys and met with patients and families. Their visit wrapped up an eventful and memorable holiday season for Shriners Children's Boston patients, families and staff.
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