Contact: Caitlin Wendt, caitlin.wendt@bannerhealth.com

GLENDALE, Ariz. (Oct. 31, 2017) –The Child Life Specialists at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center and the Glendale SWAT team are helping patients forget about diagnosis’ and treatments this Halloween by creating a memorable experience.

At 10 a.m. Halloween morning, the Glendale SWAT team continued tradition by rappelling down the hospital walls into the hospital’s outdoor pediatric playground. Once they landed, the team visited with patients and families participated in cookie decorating and face painting by Chosen Art Tattoo in Glendale.

“This is a truly special event for pediatric patients as these are kids will be missing the fun of Halloween at home this year due to their illnesses,” said Wendy Pauker, child life manager at Banner Thunderbird.

Patients will also have a chance to reverse trick-or-treat in the afternoon, where different hospital departments will visit patient rooms with decorated wagons filled with treats.

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Banner Thunderbird Medical Center in Glendale, Arizona, specializes in heart care, surgical services, obstetrics and gynecology, emergency and trauma care, behavioral health, cancer care, rehabilitation and pediatrics, including the West Valley’s only pediatric intensive care unit, pediatric Emergency department and Level III neonatal intensive care unit. Banner Thunderbird also operates a Level I Trauma Center for patients ages 15 and older. The hospital is part of Banner Health, a nonprofit health system with 28 hospitals in six states. For more information, please visit www.BannerHealth.com/Thunderbird.