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

five Red Sox players with one burn patient

Red Sox players kicked off their December caravan at Shriners Children's Boston.

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.
Brooke Allen, child life specialist, Shriners Children's Boston

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.

Santa and Mrs. Claus on a fire truck

Thanks to the Boston Firefighters Burn Foundation, Santa and Mrs. Claus made a grand entrance when they visited patients at Shriners Children's Boston.

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.

two Bruins players, one patient with mom

The Bruins made a generous toy donation and met with patients during a very special December at Shriners Children's Boston.

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