The top floor of Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital was recently transformed into a fairytale land, as princesses, princes and superheroes joined pediatric patients and their siblings for an afternoon of coloring, crafting and jewelry making.
The fairytale characters read from their favorite storybooks and helped the kids create their own magical crowns, tiaras and superhero capes, thanks to a generous donation from Harrison’s Heroes. The Houston nonprofit was created by Sandy Kothari following the death of her son, Harrison, after an extended hospital stay at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital. Since its creation, the foundation has worked to spread joy and cheer among pediatric patients experiencing extended hospital stays by providing them with comforts of home. For this event, the group donated dozens of paper crowns and capes, as well as markers and crayons patients used to decorate their creations.
In addition to crafting make-believe costumes, patients and their families also had the opportunity to design a custom piece of jewelry from the Kendra Scott collection. As part of the brand’s “Mobile Color Bar,” the Austin-based jeweler sent a team outfitted with an array of multi-colored jewels and settings used to build necklaces, earrings and bracelets. Kids took turns making their selections as they designed pieces for themselves, and in some cases, for their mothers. The donation was part of the company’s ongoing philanthropic efforts supporting various hospitals and causes across the state.
“What a wonderful treat for our patients to have opportunity to live in this fairytale world, even if only for a few hours,” said Leigh Ann Cutting, Child Life Specialist at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital. “The kids loved making their own capes and crowns, and the beautiful handmade jewelry gave them something they will cherish forever, long after their hospital stay.”