Halloween Parade returns to Prisma Health Children’s Hospital

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — With Halloween on Friday, the staff at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital makes sure their patients don’t miss out on any of the trick-or-treating fun.

Nearly 200 doctors, nurses, and staff members dress up in elaborate costumes — ensuring the joy of Halloween makes it to each child’s door.

“We can go the next four days happy, but we’ve got to hide all that candy, wow! It was crazy!” says Lether Bunkem, grandmother of patient Shakira.

As staff makes their way through the halls — dropping off candy, toys, and games for the kids to enjoy, Lether and Shakira say the Halloween parade has been their best hospital day yet.

“I think it’s awesome, keep that going. I thought the line was gone never end! I don’t know how y’all did it, I really don’t — but y’all did a great job. Keep up the good work,” she says.

And it’s a tradition that continues to grow in size, with medical teams from Prisma Health Baptist Hospital joining in on the celebration this year as well.

“When you’re in the hospital sometimes the last thing you’re thinking about or the thing you’re missing the most, is the normalcy of being at home or being out in the community to do all the events of the Fall. And so we need to make sure we’re bringing some of that joy into the hospital for them. And I think the families feel relieved when we say ‘Don’t worry guys, we’re gonna have reverse trick-or-treating this week.’ It’s one less thing they have to worry about… their children are missing out and all their friends are going and they aren’t able to participate… but if we bring it to them they are able to participate,” says Christy Fink, Manager of Child Life and Special Programs at the children’s hospital.

“I just wanna say thank you to the hospital for just everyone being such caring individuals and making sure that everyone has felt good when they stay here and are just happy,” says Sabrina Latta, whose son Messiah is currently a patient.

So who were Messiah and Shakira’s favorites?

“His favorite costume was the elephant, yea, he started smiling…” says Sabrina.

“Batman! She thought she was gonna get out of here that’s what that was, I told him to come back and take her,” jokes Lether, adding, “but in four days she’ll be home.”

The annual Christmas and Holiday Parade will also take place in just a few short weeks.