The most unique beach party in Long Beach happens in the unlikeliest of places – MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach. On Friday, Aug. 3, dozens of organizations volunteered their time to throw a beach-themed party for hospitalized patients at Miller Children’s & Women’s.
Many patients have prolonged stays and aren’t able to enjoy typical summer activities with family and friends. With help from organizations like the Aquarium of the Pacific and the Long Beach Fire Department, the Child Life Program at Miller Children’s & Women’s brings the beach to them.
The Child Life Program’s primary role is to normalize what can be a scary environment of the hospital. Fun events like the annual beach party create an environment that helps children better cope with hospitalization.
“If a child isn’t able to play and socialize with their peers it can disrupt their health care and treatment plan,” says Rita Goshert, manager, Child Life Program, Miller Children’s & Women’s. “As a Child Life Program, we strive to provide everything a child needs developmentally, and for kids that often means play.”
And play they did. Escorted by a Long Beach firefighter, each patient entered an auditorium transformed into a beachside paradise filled with games, activities, face painting and more.
Each organization hosted a booth with unique activities for patients to engage in. After making paper airlines with pilots from Alaska Airlines, creating sea-themed crafts with the Aquarium of the Pacific and playing a Nerf game with members of the Long Beach SWAT Officers Association, patients were treated to a bubble show, where they lined up to jump inside a life-size bubble.
“This event wouldn’t be possible without the support of our amazing community partners,” says Goshert. “All of their time and work is generously donated, so we can give our patients and their families this special day.”
The beach party also is made possible through the support of the Michele Rae Crane Foundation, which was set up to honor Michele Rae Crane who died as a young woman after being struck by a drunk driver. The foundation also has supported programs and special events in the Child Life Program, such as the hospital grandparent program and literacy programming for patients.
