Mickey & Minnie Mouse Meet & Greet Session With Pediatric Patients

Through the facility’s Child Life Department, STHS Children’s helped bring a little Disney magic to hospitalized patients ahead of Disney On Ice’s opening night performance in Hidalgo

For nearly a century, Disney characters have captivated millions around the world. From Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy to Disney princesses like Snow White, Cinderella and Merida, these animated personalities have enchanted audiences and inspired legions of fans of all ages.

Through Disney On Ice, a series of touring ice shows officially launched in 1981, Disney has been spreading magic, wonder and delight across communities throughout the globe, including in the Rio Grande Valley, while bringing beloved Disney stories and characters to life through the athleticism and artistry of figure skating,

Leading up to Disney On Ice’s opening night performance at Payne Arena in Hidalgo, the South Texas Health System Children’s Child Life Department, in partnership with Feld Entertainment – the show’s producers – entranced the pediatric patients in the hospital’s care with a little Disney magic.

On Tuesday, April 22, patients and their families participated in a special meet and greet with the stars of the Disney On Ice program, Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

“Special activities like this Disney On Ice character visit are instrumental in children’s hospitals because they help improve the physical and emotional well-being of hospitalized kids,” says Kimberly Davis, MBA, BSN, RN, Pediatric Administrator, STHS Children’s. “Thanks to the support of Feld Entertainment, this special visit served as a fun distraction for our patients and their families, allowing them to relax and take their minds off their hospitalization. It was evident that our patients were able to feel more like themselves and less like they’re in a stressful, unfamiliar place.”

During the meet and greet, which took place in the third floor Children’s Playroom, Mickey and Minnie Mouse interacted with patients and their families, engaged in special activities and took keepsake photos with them.

Following the visit, participants gifted some cool Disney On Ice items to commemorate the special visit, like a necklace similar to the one featured in Moana.

“We’re so happy to be here and share some Disney magic with these awesome kids,” says Joshua Santillan, who plays Prince Eric in the Disney On Ice production. “I got to color and interact with them and see them smile. It makes me so happy knowing I can offer a bit of happiness and take their minds off whatever it is they’re going through.”

Along with meeting patients in the playroom, Mickey and Minnie Mouse conducted bedside visits for patients unable to make their way to the playroom due to medical restrictions.

“Having been here for a few days, it was so good seeing my little one smile for the first time in a while,” says  Cynthia Marroquin, whose son’s face lit up the moment he was able to greet Mickey and Minnie Mouse. “This was such a unique experience and I’m so glad he got to enjoy it. When he’s happy, I’m happy.”

Disney On Ice features world class figure skaters offering an immersive experience for audiences of all ages through performances that spotlight a combination of new and classic Disney characters. Disney On Ice kicks off at Payne Arena in Hidalgo on Wednesday, April 23 and will run through Sunday, April 27. For additional information, visit ticketmaster.com.

To learn more about the STHS Children’s Child Life Program and how it helps pediatric patients and their family members navigate the process of illness, injury, disability, trauma or hospitalization, visit southtexashealthsystemchildrens.com.

About South Texas Health System

South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system’s South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level I Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first and only freestanding children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart and seven freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen, Pharr and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.

About Feld Entertainment

Feld Entertainment^® is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that bring people together and uplift the human spirit. Properties include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®, Monster Jam^®, Monster Energy Supercross, Disney On Ice, Marvel Universe LIVE!, and Jurassic World Live Tour. Across the brand portfolio, Feld Entertainment has entertained millions of families in more than 75 countries and on six continents. Visit feldentertainment.com for more information.

Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of South Texas Health System. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians.