When Halloween rolls around, most families in Bismarck look forward to costumes, candy and trick‑or‑treating. For the children who spend the holiday under a hospital roof, Sanford Health has found a way to bring the same joy without the sugar rush. The health system’s Child Life team organized a “Backwards Halloween” event, where staff members dressed up and went door‑to‑door on the pediatric floor, delivering toys, coloring books and fidget tools directly to patients.
Normalizing the Hospital Experience
“We have patients here, but they’re also little kids that have favorite colors, and they love celebrating Halloween and Christmas and all the things,” said Hannah Vaagen, a Child Life Specialist at Sanford Health. Vaagen explained that the event is designed to “normalize the hospital experience” and let children be children, even while receiving medical care.
Because many patients have dietary restrictions, the organizers deliberately swapped out traditional candy for age‑appropriate toys. The shift not only respects medical needs but also encourages creative play, which research shows can reduce stress and improve recovery outcomes for young patients.
Staff Participation and Community Spirit
Hospital staff from nursing, therapy, and administration joined the festivities, each wearing a costume and carrying a bag of gifts. The “door‑to‑door” approach mirrors classic trick‑or‑treating, allowing children to open a door and discover a surprise, while also giving staff a chance to interact personally with the kids they care for.
Sanford Health’s Child Life team noted that the annual event has become a beloved tradition for both patients and employees. It offers a moment of levity in an otherwise clinical environment and reinforces the hospital’s commitment to treating the whole child—not just the illness.
Impact on Families and the Wider Community
Parents of pediatric patients expressed gratitude for the thoughtful gesture. One mother said the surprise toys helped her son feel less isolated and gave him something to look forward to during a difficult stay. The event also highlights the broader role hospitals play in community well‑being, extending care beyond medical treatment to emotional and social support.
Sanford Health plans to continue the “Backwards Halloween” tradition in future years, exploring additional ways to bring holiday cheer to children while maintaining safety and health standards. By prioritizing family‑friendly celebrations, the health system underscores its dedication to nurturing both body and spirit—a core value that resonates with families across Bismarck.
Looking Ahead
As the holiday season approaches, Sanford Health encourages families to stay engaged with hospital programs that support pediatric patients. The health system invites community members to volunteer, donate toys, or simply spread the word about the positive impact of such events. In a time when many families face medical challenges, the “Backwards Halloween” serves as a reminder that compassion and creativity can make a lasting difference.
Original reporting: KFYR-TV Bismarck (news) — read the source article.
