Disney Characters Bring Joy to Chicago Children's Hospital Patients
In a heartwarming display of holiday cheer, beloved Disney characters Stitch and Minnie Mouse visited the Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago, bringing smiles and magic to some of the youngest patients facing serious health challenges.
The visit is part of a global tour by The Walt Disney Company, where its iconic characters are taking their holiday fun to children's hospitals around the world. For one young girl named Ellie, recovering from an injury, Stitch's visit was particularly special. Her father, Gabriel Orelov, said that seeing the character made his daughter's day and helped her feel more normal after a couple of days in the hospital.
"I strive to make sure we normalize our families' stays here at the hospital, so we can have fun and find some joy," explained Mara Smith, Lurie Panda Care Center activities coordinator. "Events like this bring the outside world into our hospital, giving patients and their families a much-needed respite."
The visit by Stitch and Minnie Mouse was more than just a fun distraction – it was also an opportunity for the characters to spread holiday cheer and maybe even secure a spot on Santa's nice list. According to Shannon Smith-Conrad, a Walt Disney ambassador, "After a year of mayhem, Stitch is on a mission to do just that."
As for the children who received visits from the Disney duo, it was clear that their day had been made a little brighter by the presence of these beloved characters. Whether or not they'll remember the visit in years to come is less important than the joy and happiness that their parents have experienced during such a difficult time.
For one thing, seeing Stitch's antics has given parents like Gabriel Orelov a chance to see his daughter smile again – a small but precious gift indeed. As for the children themselves, who may not yet be able to remember this special visit, it's clear that they'll always cherish the memories of their time with beloved Disney characters during what can only be described as an unforgettable experience.
In a heartwarming display of holiday cheer, beloved Disney characters Stitch and Minnie Mouse visited the Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago, bringing smiles and magic to some of the youngest patients facing serious health challenges.
The visit is part of a global tour by The Walt Disney Company, where its iconic characters are taking their holiday fun to children's hospitals around the world. For one young girl named Ellie, recovering from an injury, Stitch's visit was particularly special. Her father, Gabriel Orelov, said that seeing the character made his daughter's day and helped her feel more normal after a couple of days in the hospital.
"I strive to make sure we normalize our families' stays here at the hospital, so we can have fun and find some joy," explained Mara Smith, Lurie Panda Care Center activities coordinator. "Events like this bring the outside world into our hospital, giving patients and their families a much-needed respite."
The visit by Stitch and Minnie Mouse was more than just a fun distraction – it was also an opportunity for the characters to spread holiday cheer and maybe even secure a spot on Santa's nice list. According to Shannon Smith-Conrad, a Walt Disney ambassador, "After a year of mayhem, Stitch is on a mission to do just that."
As for the children who received visits from the Disney duo, it was clear that their day had been made a little brighter by the presence of these beloved characters. Whether or not they'll remember the visit in years to come is less important than the joy and happiness that their parents have experienced during such a difficult time.
For one thing, seeing Stitch's antics has given parents like Gabriel Orelov a chance to see his daughter smile again – a small but precious gift indeed. As for the children themselves, who may not yet be able to remember this special visit, it's clear that they'll always cherish the memories of their time with beloved Disney characters during what can only be described as an unforgettable experience.
I'm totally loving this idea! Like, can you imagine walking into a hospital and seeing Stitch and Minnie Mouse just chillin' in the room? It's like, the ultimate pick-me-up, right? 
Those little kids must be like totally stoked to meet their favorite characters. And it's not just about the fun and games either, it's actually helping to take their minds off what they're going through. I'm all about spreading positivity and joy wherever I go! 
I gotta say, seeing Disney characters like Stitch and Minnie Mouse bring joy to hospital kids is just pure gold 
. I MEAN, WHO WOULDN'T WANT TO SEE STITCH DOING HIS CRAZY ANIMATED THINGS?! IT'S SO GLAD TO HEAR THAT THE VISIT MADE GABRIEL ORELVOV'S DAUGHTER SMILE AGAIN, ESPECIALLY AFTER BEING IN THE HOSPITAL FOR A FEW DAYS. THESE KIND OF EVENTS REALLY SHOW YOU THE POWER OF JOY AND HAPPINESS TO HELP PEOPLE GET THROUGH TOUGH TIMES!
i wonder how long it would take for them to forget about being in the hospital if they had all these fun moments with stitch and minnie mouse 
what's the craziest thing a child told you at a hospital visit? 
. I'm sure it must be super tough for those little ones, but seeing Stitch's silly antics or giving Minnie Mouse a hug from her bed must've been like the best part of their day 
. And can we talk about how awesome it is that the hospital staff are making an effort to make these visits as special and fun for the families too? It's all about bringing some happiness into the lives of those who need it most, you know? 
I was thinking about getting a new bike over the holidays and I saw these sick new BMX frames online 
they're like, whoa! So expensive tho 
but for real though, have you ever noticed how much better the holiday season is when it's cold outside 
? Like, no mosquitoes or annoying flies to deal with 
. I mean, those little kids were just sitting there looking at these giant characters... they deserve some visual love too! 
And can we get some cute pics of the kids with their favorite Disney characters? I bet they'd kill for something like that in their scrapbooks 
Mara Smith sounds like a total rockstar 
.
. Let's get Stitch and all his pals visitin' hospitals everywhere! 
The most important thing is that his daughter gets to smile again and feel more normal, and I'm sure her day was made just by seeing Stitch's goofy antics! 
. Can you imagine walking into a hospital room and seeing Minnie Mouse hanging out on the bed? 
. its not just about the visit tho, its also about bringing some normalcy to hospital stays 
. can't wait to see what other fun things disney has in store for us this holiday season 
they got this 1 girl Ellie who's goin thru a tough time but Stitch visit made her day 
... i feel bad 4 da kids wen dey can't even remember dis orite? but like its not bout dat, its bout makin dem smile & feel happy 4 a sec 
what's next? Disney characters at hospices? hospitals for pets? where do we draw the line? 
. But honestly, what about when they get discharged and have to deal with real life? That's when things might get tough again 