Superheroes take flight to brighten patients' day at Hoops Family Children’s Hospital

There were plenty of superheroes at Marshall Health Network - Hoops Family Children's Hospital Wednesday, but they didn't arrive through the front doors.

Spider-Man, Superman, Batman and other favorite characters appeared outside hospital windows, rappelling down the hospital's exterior before heading inside to meet children and families. The annual visit, made possible by employees from High Access Window Cleaning, transformed an ordinary afternoon into one filled with smiles, waves and plenty of superhero poses.

For children receiving care at Hoops Family Children's Hospital, moments like these provide more than entertainment—they offer a chance to simply be kids.

"Our goal is to make sure kids still get to feel like kids, even when they're in the hospital," said Carleigh Cazad Francis, B.M., MT-BC, Child Life coordinator and music therapist at Hoops Family Children's Hospital. "When our patients see superheroes outside their window, it gives them a moment to forget about treatment and just smile. Those moments of joy and play are a vital part of healing."

The superhero rappel is one of many experiences organized by the hospital's Child Life Department, which helps children and families cope with hospitalization through play, education, preparation and therapeutic activities designed to reduce stress and create positive memories.