Rain or shine, past and present Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital hematology and oncology patients, family and staff members celebrated life on Saturday.

During this annual picnic, families reconnect with others who have traveled similar roads.

This year, the 25th, picnic tables lined Clyde Park in Byron Center, Michigan, where people caught up with others and ate hamburgers, brats, macaroni and cheese, potato salad and other dishes.

Pediatric patients and family members enjoyed games, crafts and toured a firetruck with Byron Township firefighters.

The Bottomless Toy Chest, a non-profit organization that donates new toys, crafts and interactive games to hospitalized pediatric cancer patients, donated 31 gift baskets for a raffle that occurred during the picnic.

“Having the opportunity to give graciously to children in hospitals is the heart of our organization,” said Alison Kibler, an event planner with The Bottomless Toy Chest. “Seeing the smiles on the children’s faces make our days brighter and reminds us why we do what we do.”

Spectrum Health P.O.R.T. Program team member Erin Hiske enjoyed the picnic with her 3-year-old daughter, Johanna.

“My favorite part of the event is just watching all of the smiles on kids’ faces, whether it’s playing a game, making a craft or seeing their favorite nurse, doctor or other staff members again,” Hiske said. “Patient families and staff alike enjoy the opportunity to reconnect with one another. They have often been a part of each other’s lives through extensive periods, sometimes years, during treatment. So to have a fun opportunity to get together and reunite is really special.”