SAN DIEGO — The Ronald McDonald House brought Halloween cheer to young patients and their families with a spooktacular celebration on Thursday. This event provided a much-needed break for children battling illnesses, allowing them to embrace the holiday spirit despite being away from home.
Renowned for creating a home away from home for families with hospitalized children, the Ronald McDonald House ensured its residents could enjoy Halloween festivities.
Oscar Gomez, Chief Operating Officer of Ronald McDonald House Charities, San Diego, stated, "We know this is a challenging time, especially for families who have a child in the hospital. We want to make this a fun experience that they will remember for years to come, saying, 'Hey, remember when we were at the Ronald McDonald House?'"
Thanks to the generosity of the community, children enjoyed a variety of Halloween activities, from music and dancing to making homemade ooey-gooey slime. All costumes and treats were donated, allowing children like almost 9-year-old Paislee Mundo to fully participate in the celebration.
"I like that we get to dress up and get candy," said Paislee.
Currently battling brain cancer, Paislee has been staying at the Ronald McDonald House with her mom since May. She expressed her excitement: "I like that we get to dress up." This Halloween is particularly significant for her, as it marks her first away from her sister, with her family coming from Saipan.
"Holidays are really hard for us because Paislee is not used to being away from family," said her mother, Jaslyn Guanzon.
The event featured a parade of costumes, including Halo, Spiderman, and Cinderella. Ten-year-old Eloisa, who underwent a cornea transplant just a day prior, transformed into a princess ready to conquer the world.
"I love my costume, but I miss my two little siblings," said Eloisa.
For many families, the celebration offered a welcome distraction from their challenges. William Vazquez, visiting from Tijuana, shared his gratitude: "When we heard we had to be here, we were kind of sad because they can't go trick-or-treating, but seeing this, it's great, and we're grateful."
The Ronald McDonald House's Halloween celebration brought smiles to faces and hope to hearts.
"I'm very thankful for the Ronald McDonald House," said Guanzon.
This spooky surprise not only allowed young patients to enjoy Halloween but also created lasting memories for families facing difficult times. The event showcased the power of community support in bringing joy to those who need it most.