NICU families celebrate Halloween at hospital

Families at the neonatal intensive care unit of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia prepared costumes for their infants this weekend. The event offers a moment of celebration distinct from the daily medical procedures and doctor visits that dominate hospital life.

Liz Jung, whose daughter Nellie was born in March, found the activity meaningful. Jung said that for parents in the unit, the calendar is usually marked by upcoming surgeries or critical conversations with physicians. A fun event provides a different kind of milestone.

Nellie was not born prematurely but has required four surgeries since birth. These procedures included airway reconstruction and open-chest surgery. Jung noted that her daughter relied on a ventilator until a major airway operation in April, with recovery continuing since then.

This weekend marks Nellie's first Halloween. The annual tradition allows NICU families to connect with the wider community despite their separation from daily life. Jung described the experience as a way to feel part of the world outside the hospital walls.

CHOP hosts this celebration for NICU families every year. For patient Penelope, the event occurs just before her scheduled discharge. She will spend Halloween at home with her older sister.