Children’s Hospital puts ‘thanks’ in Thanksgiving

Videography by Anna Dworzecka

Juan Jaimez and his daughter Leilani play dress up at the party. Photo: Roberta Dupuis-Devlin

There were about 120 reasons to be thankful at a Thanksgiving party hosted Saturday by Children’s Hospital University of Illinois.

The 10th annual party, held at Student Center West, was a chance for young cancer patients, their siblings and families to have fun with health care staff outside the hospital.

There was face painting, photos, games and food — turkey, gravy and all the fixings.

Cancer support organizations — Flashes of Hope, Gilda’s Club, Girl Scouts, Make-A-Wish, Bounce Children’s Foundation, Children’s Oncology Services, 12 Oaks Foundation, American Cancer Society and Bear Necessities — offered activities for kids and information for parents.

A junior dance troupe from the Joffrey Ballet performed, inviting kids and families to join in.