NYU Langone Hosts Halloween Party for Pediatric Cancer Patients

Pediatric patients at NYU Langone's Cancer Center for Kids in Mineola were treated to an annual Halloween party featuring costumes, candy, and pizza. The event, designed to bring joy and a sense of normalcy to children undergoing treatment, has become so popular that former patients have expressed a desire to return.

"Really, it’s kind of an opportunity for children and families to kind of experience some joy and normalcy," Kim Krupa, the center's certified child life specialist, told the New York Post. "And provide connection to other families during what can often be very challenging times."

The celebration saw parents dressing up as characters from "Paw Patrol" and "Toy Story" to entertain the young attendees. The children, along with their siblings, were able to leave their hospital rooms for a decorated conference room filled with Halloween music. Spirit Halloween donated costumes for the event, as well as for an upcoming in-house Halloween parade and room-to-room trick-or-treating.

"While some other [off-campus] Halloween day or trick-or-treating, or other parties might be a little up in the air for these families, this is one they know they can do," Krupa added. "A lot of families have been selecting their costumes already, and they’re prepared."

For three-year-old Declan Maudsley, who is battling osteosarcoma bone cancer, the party marked his first outing since his diagnosis, aside from hospital and doctor visits. His mother, Thalia Maudsley, shared that NYU Langone staff were able to save his leg from amputation. Declan recently finished chemotherapy treatments and is nearing his fourth birthday, making the party a particularly sweet occasion for his family.

The event, which has been held annually since 2012, aims to create an environment where children feel like their peers. Krupa noted the children's growing excitement for the party, with some looking forward to it earlier each year. Families like the Aglios, whose son Vincent is in remission from leukemia, have found community at these events.

Vincent, who has attended the parties for three years, previously dressed as a "Scream" mask and a Stormtrooper. His mother, Gina Aglio, described the events as bittersweet as Vincent transitions out of treatment, noting that her children have always loved attending.