Superheroes return to brighten spirits – and windows – at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital
Some visitors to Penn State Health Children’s Hospital are the hot topic of conversation among patients and their families for a day, maybe two. But when superheroes visit, it's a much different story.
“There are a lot of smiles, a lot of kids getting up and out of their beds because they know the superheroes are coming, which is really exciting for the families to see,” said Ashley Kane, manager of the Child Life Program at the Children's Hospital. “We'll be hearing about this for weeks.”
This week, four superheroes teamed up for their most important mission of the year: putting smiles on kids' faces.
Typically, the four men are mild-mannered window washers with Harrisburg-based Northeastern Building Maintenance. But on Tuesday, they transformed into Batman, Captain America, Spiderman and Superman, and rappelled down the side of the Children's Hospital. After their descent, the superheroes greeted fans, including patients and their families.
At times, it was tough to say who was more excited: the kids lining up for photos, fist-bumps and high-fives, or their superhero visitors.
“These guys really do rejoice in being able to come out here and do this for the kids—they talk about it all year long,” said Northeastern co-owner Michael Vancena.
>> View a video from the superheroes visit
This is the fourth consecutive year in which the “superhero window washers” have visited the Children's Hospital. Vancena said they don't plan to give up the chance to visit anytime soon.
“In our business, there aren't many opportunities to give back,” he said. “We're not doctors or nurses, we don't get to save lives every day. And we've been learning that this is a major distraction from their sickness. So people are coming up and saying thanks to us, and we're saying ‘thanks for the opportunity.'”
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