Hospital Happenings®

It's generally not a lot of fun for anyone to be in a hospital, but it's especially tough on children and teens.  Though doctors, nurses, family and friends make long stays more bearable, there is still much time where pediatric patients can feel lonely, bored and scared.

That's where Starlight comes in! Starlight brings Hospital Happenings® events to hospitals across the country. Hospital Happenings are fun-filled parties, therapeutic workshops that promote creative self expression, laugh-packed visits from musicians, clowns and entertainers, and other special events such as movie nights, game tournaments and crafting extravaganzas.  All pediatric patients are welcome, as are parents and siblings.  And if a child can't leave his or her bed, we can often bring the party to his or her room!

Hospital staff recognize Hospital Happenings as highly effective morale boosters that create much-needed social interaction.  For children, the ability to share a laugh with family, roommates and caregivers can be the best medicine possible.

Hospital Happenings are a gift that makes everyone smile, including the planners and participants. Volunteers and the generosity of individuals and corporations alike make it all happen. Frequently, businesses and organizations sponsor events, and their employees volunteer to participate.

Starworks

Starworks brightens the lives of hospitalized children through creative expression in the literary arts.  Graduate writing students teach creative expression to pediatric patients. As a result, these children have composed picture of their hopes, dreams, and lives in poems, stories and essays.  These works are celebrated through anthologies published by Starlight and distributed to the children, their friends and families and through readings at the hospitals.

Music Program

Children benefit from the power of music as a result of sessions with music therapists who not only encourage their creativity and personal expression, but also help them develop coping skills and techniques for pain management. 

 
Yoga Program 

Through the practice of yoga, physically disabled or hospitalized children learn breathing exercises that enhance relaxation, gain flexibility and improve coordination, and in general develop improved body awareness.  It can also help them to channel frustration, defuse anger, and generate a feeling of tranquility that is so important to the healing process.
 

Clown Program

Children suffering from a wide range of illnesses have come to rely on weekly visits from our clowns for large doses of happiness.  For many years medical professionals have recognized that those patients who maintained a positive mental attitude and shared laughter responded better to treatment.  Our clowns, therefore, help children in the recovery process.  Humor and laughter also foster a positive and hopeful attitude.  And, for children faced with a physical illness, injury or disability, hope is something that is greatly needed. 

To learn how you or your business can get involved in Hospital Happenings or the Starworks program, please email info@starlightnyc.org.