Starlight Gowns Empower Kids at CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth Hospital
Being a sick kid stuck in the hospital is difficult. Having to wear a plain, dull hospital gown doesn’t make it any better. Starlight Gowns make kids feel like superstars by replacing unattractive hospital garments with high-quality, comfortable and brightly colored gowns. The gowns transform children into astronauts, princesses, cowboys, and other characters so they can have fun and enjoy being kids.
CHRISTUS Southeast Texas St. Elizabeth is blessed to be one of the hospitals that received a donation of Starlight Gowns this year. “We are excited to be able to provide our pediatric patients with a little more comfort and whimsy during their hospital stay,” said Ashley Bares, Certified Child Life Specialist at St. Elizabeth. “But the gowns aren’t just fun and colorful. They’re designed to be functional for kids and their caregivers. Starlight Gowns tie on the side instead of down the back so they’re less revealing and more comfortable for our pediatric patients. They have snaps on each shoulder that make it easy for nurses to access the patient’s port. And, because the snaps are plastic, they don’t interfere with XRays, CT scans or MRIs. The gowns are made of a soft material similar to children’s pajamas. They’re so comfortable, most kids don’t want to take them off when they leave the hospital. That’s okay with us because each child who receives a Starlight Gown at CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth gets to take it home with them.”
Three-year-old Raylan was one of the first kids in the nation to receive a Starlight Gown. He goes in for frequent surgeries at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles to manage his Retinoblastoma which is an eye cancer that begins in the retina.
Raylan proudly wears his gown for every examination.
“He loved his gown and did not want to take it off after surgery. The gown was perfect in every way,” Elizabeth, Raylan’s mom said after her son wore a Starlight Gown for the first time. “He will never wear another gown again!”
CHRISTUS Southeast Texas St. Elizabeth receives Starlight Gowns through donations only so supplies are limited. If you would like to provide a child with a fun, comfortable hospital gown, visit BraveGowns.com and select your favorite gown or choose Gift-A-Gown.