ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — A tradition at a local hospital helps staff celebrate the holidays with patients.
Swedish American held its annual tree lighting ceremony in the Heart Hospital lobby.
The event included Christmas cookies, music from the West Middle School Choir and caring canines.
Staff members say the best part is seeing children’s reactions.
“I think it’s really cool for them to be able to see Christmas lights, the tree, Santa Claus, the elves and everything in this environment,” said SwedishAmericsn Hospital Speech Language Pathologist, Sierra Soland. “It brings smiles to their faces, it makes them happy. And they don’t have to feel like they’re missing out on something.”
Two pediatric therapy patients helped turn the lights on.
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