ALBANY -- (NEWS10) As Halloween nears, one event in the Capital Region goes beyond spooky fun. In a cherished annual tradition, Spirit Halloween's "Spirit of Children" costume giveaway brings a much-needed celebration to a place where joy can be hard to find: the Bernard & Millie Duker Children's Hospital at Albany Medical Center.
Earlier today, the hospital’s halls were filled with costumes and decorations, thanks to donations from Spirit Halloween stores across the region. Children, parents, caregivers, and siblings were treated to an array of costumes ranging from adorable to scary, along with room decorations to lift spirits during their hospital stay.
Dalanie Lopez, whose daughter Cata has been undergoing cancer treatment since September, expressed how much the event means to families like hers. "The hospital can be pretty depressing," Lopez said. "So having an event like this, especially for free, was very thoughtful and nice."
Nicole Sanders, a Child Life Specialist at Albany Med, explained how Halloween celebrations can brighten the days of young patients. “Halloween’s such a kids’ holiday,” she said. “It’s good for them to see that we still celebrate, even in the hospital, and they get to dress up, too.”
The event also brings moments of pure joy. Sanders shared a heartwarming story about a shy child who was hesitant at first but, upon seeing the costumes, began to excitedly grab at the items.
For Spirit Halloween employees like Lisa Lyons, the event is something they look forward to all year. “The smiles on their faces make it all worth it,” she said, beaming.
In Albany, this event is more than just a Halloween celebration—it’s a reminder that a little bit of fun can go a long way in brightening lives, even during challenging times.
