Kids treated to Disney magic during their hospital stay

Madera, CA -- Young patients were treated to a special event put on by Disney and Starlight Childrens Foundation to celebrate the new season of Disney Junior's hit series SuperKitties.

The event featured Disney toys, books and character hospital gowns for the kids to help make their stay at the hospital easier for them and their families. "When children face hospitalization, it's one of the most stressful moments for a parent, and that's why Starlight exists," says Adam Garone, CEO of Starlight Childrens Foundation. "We exist to transform moments in the hospital journey by delivering happiness and joy." Disney and Starlight have been collaborating for over 20 years to transform the children's hospital experience.

Marisa Ybarra Reyes, a child life specialist explains not only is it important to take care of a child on a medical level but also on an emotional level. "We want to be able to provide them not only with medical treatments and care, but with opportunities for play and fun throughout their hospitalization."

There was plenty of fun for the kids at the event. They were able to play with toys from many of Disney Junior's hit shows, draw and color and they were some of the first to watch the first episode of the new season of SuperKitties. After the show, kids and their parents were surprised with a special visit from Minnie Mouse. "The magic of the Disney characters is what makes this really special. When the kids see Mickey and Minnie Mouse, they light up when they get to wear a hospital gown with one of the Disney characters on it, it changes that moment forever," Garone says.

The event is part of Disney's $100 million global commitment from 2018 to help reimagine the patient experience in children's hospitals in hopes of delivering joy and comfort to children and their families.

Disney is the parent company of this station and ABC Localish.