HARTFORD, Conn., October 22, 2026 — For children spending time in the hospital, there are a lot of things they don't get to choose. They don’t choose their diagnosis, their medicine, or their procedures. On Thursday, patients at Connecticut Children’s got to choose something that was entirely theirs: how they wanted to show up for the day.
Connecticut Children’s teamed up with Starlight Children’s Foundation, ESPN and The Walt Disney Company for a special Halloween celebration featuring the debut of new ESPN/Mickey & Friends hospital gowns and pants, along with a visit from Mickey Mouse, Halloween costumes, activities and special surprises for patients and families.
“At ESPN, sports have always been about bringing people together and creating moments of joy, and that's especially meaningful when we can do that for kids going through something difficult,” said Kevin Negandhi, ESPN’s SportsCenter anchor and College Football Studio host. “A hospital stay shouldn't take away a child's chance to have fun, express who they are or simply be a kid. ESPN and Disney are incredibly proud to team up with Starlight and Connecticut Children’s to bring some ESPN sports spirit, some Disney magic and, hopefully, a lot of smiles to children and families here in Connecticut.”
Something as simple as choosing a hospital gown, featuring familiar characters or brands, can help a child feel more comfortable and regain a sense of control during hospitalization. These familiar designs can also make conversations with healthcare teams easier, helping build trust so kids feel more confident and engaged in their care,” said Matt Barnhart, Senior Manager, Partnerships at Starlight Children’s Foundation. “We’re grateful to ESPN, Disney and Connecticut Children’s for helping us create moments of happiness and connection that support kids and families throughout their healthcare journey.
Approximately 100 inpatient and outpatient children participated in the celebration, designed to create moments of play, joy and normalcy for children navigating illness and hospitalization.
“For children in the hospital, so much can suddenly feel outside of their control. Their illness, their treatment and their daily routine can all be determined by circumstances they didn't choose,” said Rachel Stanley, MD, Physician-in-Chief at Connecticut Children’s. “Giving a child the ability to choose something as simple as the gown they want to wear may seem small, but it gives them a voice and a sense of ownership at a time when that can mean a great deal. Play, choice and joy aren't separate from caring for children. They are an important part of the healing journey.”
The celebration transformed Connecticut Children’s into a Halloween experience where children could pick out costumes and a Mickey Mouse plushy, participate in activities and spend time with Mickey Mouse himself. The new gowns were unveiled as part of the celebration.
Hospital experiences like these are about more than providing a temporary distraction. Play and opportunities for self-expression can help preserve an important part of childhood during a time that can otherwise be dominated by medical care.
The event also reflects a broader commitment at Connecticut Children’s to care for the whole child. Creating opportunities for play, celebration and choice helps children maintain a sense of normalcy and identity while receiving medical care.
“Children don't stop being children when they become patients,” said Kelly Foy, Certified Chilf Life Specialist, Connecticut Children’s. “We're grateful to ESPN, Disney and Starlight for understanding that and for helping us create experiences that bring joy into the hospital and give our patients opportunities to just be kids.”
The event continued beyond the family resource center celebration, with additional in room visits by Mickey Mouse spread even more magic to patients who were unable to leave their hospital rooms.
Thursday’s celebration at Connecticut Children’s also reflects ESPN, The Walt Disney Company and ABC’s broader commitment to supporting children and families. The event brought moments of joy and connection to patients and their families, and it served as a reminder of the important role research plays in creating hope for the future.
Through the Pediatric Cancer Initiative, ESPN, The Walt Disney Company and ABC are raising $10 million for pediatric cancer research through the V Foundation in the lead-up to Super Bowl LXI on ESPN, ABC and Disney+.
About Connecticut Children’s
Connecticut Children’s is the only health system in Connecticut 100% dedicated to kids. That means high-quality care across more than 30 pediatric specialties in 30+ locations throughout Connecticut, Eastern New York and Western Massachusetts. One team on a mission to improve access to healthcare from before birth and into adulthood. One team pushing the limits with breakthrough research and community partnerships so we can help you focus on what matters most: your family’s wellness journey. When you choose Connecticut Children’s, you can expect care beyond imagination.
About Starlight Children’s Foundation
Hospital stays can be lonely, stressful, and scary. That's why Starlight exists. Founded in 1982, Starlight Children's Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that aims to deliver happiness to seriously ill children and their families through vital programs that impact millions of kids annually. Donor-funded and offered free of charge to hospitals and families, Starlight programs unleash the power of play, empowering kids with a renewed sense of optimism, resilience, and courage. Starlight is a top-rated charity committed to the equitable allocation of programs to its nationwide hospital network. Healing begins with happiness™. Learn more at starlight.org and follow Starlight on social media @starlightchildrensfoundation.
About ESPN Corporate Citizenship
ESPN believes that, at its very best, sports uplift the human spirit. Its corporate citizenship programs use the power of sport to positively address society’s needs through strategic community investments, cause marketing programs, collaboration with sports organizations and employee volunteerism, while also utilizing its diverse media assets. For more information go to www.espn.com/citizenship.
About The Walt Disney Company
For more than 100 years, Disney stories have been a source of imagination and hope for children of all ages. Walt Disney himself brought the magic of those stories to children in hospitals, along with Disney animators and characters. Today, this legacy is reflected in Disney’s continuing support for children’s hospitals around the world. Since 2018, Disney has delivered comfort and joy to more than 1,700 children’s hospitals and pediatric places of care in 45 countries, totaling more than $100 million in support. Learn more about Disney’s commitment to children’s hospitals at disney.com/childrenshospitals.