NYU Langone throws Halloween party for pediatric cancer patients

It really lifted some spirits. Pediatric patients at the NYU Langone Cancer Center for Kids in Mineola were treated to an annual, one-of-a-kind costume, candy, and pizza party to celebrate Halloween — and it was so popular that kids who’ve checked out of care have wanted to come back for it. “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 Post. “And provide connection to other families during what can often be very challenging times.”Moms and dads dressed up as “Paw Patrol” characters and “Woody” from Toy Story to spread cheer for a few dozen kids and their siblings, who got to leave their hospital rooms for a specially decorated conference room where tons of Halloween tunes were bumping.Spirit Halloween also donated costumes for kids to wear not only at the game filled event, but later in the month when the center and its staff will have an 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.”Monday’s festivities were especially thrilling for Declan Maudsley, a three-year-old fighting osteosarcoma bone cancer in his legs.“This is the first time he’s been out since he was diagnosed.

We haven’t taken him anywhere but the doctor’s office and hospital,” said Maudsley’s mom, Thalia. She added that skilled staff at NYU Langone were able to save the boy’s leg from being amputated.Declan is not only celebrating his fourth birthday soon, but also finished chemo treatments two weeks ago.That made the party especially sweet for the entire family, who are looking forward to dressing up together again in two weeks. “He says...