Starlight Children’s Foundation and Disney team up to celebrate Walt Disney Animation’s Frozen’s 10th anniversary at Lurie Children’s

Starlight and Disney deliver joy to young patients with new Frozen-themed hospital gowns, Frozen-themed toys, plus a special surprise visit from Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse

CHICAGO, November 22, 2023 – For the first time in forever, the non-profit Starlight Children’s Foundation, in collaboration with Disney, celebrated the 10th anniversary of Disney’s Frozen at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. The beloved film was released on November 27, 2013. Young patients at Lurie Children’s became the first in the nation to see and wear the newly redesigned Frozen-themed Starlight Hospital gowns and pants, featuring beloved characters Elsa, Anna, Sven and Olaf. The day was full of fun activities, movies, a delivery of Frozen-themed toys, books and costumes, and a visit from Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.

Lara Kozak, the mother of a four-year-old heart patient at Lurie Children’s Hospital was thrilled that her daughter took part in the event. “Today when we walked in, her eyes blew up. She was just glowing with happiness, and we’ve had a rough week this week. Seeing her joy, seeing all the Frozen items, the costumes and the toys, she was just filled up with happiness and then she saw Mickey and Minnie come in and that was the icing on the cake. I know we’re going have a great day today.”

As part of Disney’s commitment to help reimagine the patient experience in children’s hospitals around the world, kids were able to embrace the power of play and partake in a normal childhood experience from the safety of the hospital. Today’s Starlight Delivery brought the fun and joy of Disney, allowing hospitalized kids to celebrate the wonderful world of Frozen by providing pediatric patients a much-needed break from treatments and procedures.

“Patients and families have been so excited, and to see them come here in their Frozen gowns, pick out their gifts, it just makes such a difference in their stay,” said Nicole Alkaraki, children’s services manager at Lurie Children’s.

Matt Barnhart, manager of corporate development at Starlight Children’s Foundation, said, “Changing into a hospital gown can be a stressful experience for kids. These one-of-a-kind Frozen-themed Starlight Hospital gowns bring the magic and fun of the Frozen world to hospitalized kids, empowering them to face their medical challenges with confidence and resilience.”

“We’re honored and grateful to have a longstanding relationship with Disney in helping us achieve our mission of delivering happiness to seriously ill kids and their families,” said Adam Garone, CEO of Starlight Children’s Foundation. “Together for 20 years, we’ve been transforming the hospital experience through programs that entertain and provide comfort to kids at a time when they need it most.”

Throughout two decades of collaboration, Starlight Children’s Foundation has offered Disney-themed hospital wear, care packages, toys, books, games, and complimentary Disney+ and Disney Movie Moments access to its nationwide network of children’s hospitals, including Lurie Children’s. Used as engagement tools by child life specialists, these vital programs provide play, distraction, and comfort to pediatric patients, helping them get through the stress of medical procedures and hospitalization.

“November 27, 2023, marks the 10th anniversary of the theatrical debut of Frozen, an epic adventure film that has inspired fans of all ages. We can’t think of a better way to celebrate the milestone than by sharing it with the patients at Lurie Children’s,” said Lisa Haines, senior vice president of corporate social responsibility at Disney. “We hope patients enjoy the film, toys and gowns and are inspired by the epic journey that explores the power of family, love and courage.”

Community members can also play a part in transforming hospital moments for seriously ill children. To learn more, visit starlight.org.