It was mid-morning when Batman, Wonder Woman, Captain America, Spider-Man and the Hulk descended from the roof of UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital. The superheroes though weren’t there to rescue anyone; instead, they cleaned the hospital windows and waved to on-looking patients before joining them on the Chase Child Life terrace.
The appearance of the window washers dressed as comic book hero icons was for the fifth annual Superhero Day at the Hospital.
“Today is the most awesomest day ever,” said 7-year-old Tyrek Hanford.
Rick Kincer, owner of Sunland Window Cleaning, created the event in 2013. Each year, the company has provided colorful costumes and donated its time to bring cheer to kids and families at UCLA.
Superhero Day is a highlight for many kids at the hospital. Oftentimes, pediatric patients are coping with serious illnesses or undergoing intensive procedures that render them hospital-bound for weeks or months at a time.
“Days like this are important because they allow kids in the hospital to feel like kids — not just patients,” Kelli Carroll, director of the Chase Child Life program, said. “Our kids really light up when they get to say hi to Batman, Wonder Woman, and the other superheroes that come visit.”
