Spectrum Health Security Officer John McGarry dressed up as the Grinch, and Spectrum Health Security K9, Cain, dressed as Max, dance to some Christmas music at the annual Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Christmas party.
Samuel Lewinski, 4, also known as 'Super Sam' pets Cain, a Spectrum Health security K9. Samuel is being treated at Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children's Hospital for stage 4 Wilms tumor. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Helen DeVos visited the annual Christmas party of the children's hospital named after her. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Kellen Nykamp, 2, chats with Santa at the Christmas party. Kellen is being treated for neuroblastoma. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Helen DeVos poses for a photo with Aubrianna Pacheco and Alaina Humphrey, both 5. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Santa rocks 9-month-old Karson Sella on his lap during the Christmas party. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Child Life specialist Haylee Hill fixes Spectrum Health security K9, Cain's antler. His handler, Officer John McGarry, dressed as the 'Grinch' and Cain dressed as the Grinch's dog, Max. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Helen DeVos hugs Dr. James Fahner after he gave her a bouquet of flowers. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Tiffany Breen dances with her daughter Roslyn, 2, to live Christmas music during the Christmas party. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Helen DeVos poses for a photo with her granddaughter Monreau during the Christmas party. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Nicolette Simpson, 12, poses for a photo with Cain and Officer John McGarry, dressed as the Grinch. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Volunteers take a break before the Christmas party begins in the Balk Cafe. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Helen DeVos poses for a photo with Dr. Robert Connors, president of Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children's Hospital. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Kellen Nykamp, 2, shows Mrs. Claus a toy he picked out. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Cain, dressed as the Grinch's dog, Max, smiles as he visits with the children at the Christmas party. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Roslyn Breen, 2, smiles as she makes Christmas ornaments with her mom, Tiffany. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
Cain helps Chicago resident Joey Egan, 10, make ornaments at a craft table. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
The Grinch carries his one-antlered pup back home after the Christmas party. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)
She visited with the children and families while they made ornaments, scarfs, stockings and enjoyed live Christmas music.
Robert Connors, MD, president of Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, introduced some new items that DeVos has funded for the hospital in the coming year.
The patients will be able to enjoy:
A new HTC Vive VR System to play virtual reality games at the hospital
A new and improved 11th floor playroom bubble table hockey game
New video games will be placed in the emergency department when children are first admitted
New mobiles will be placed in baby cribs for newborns that help with early development
A new computer will broadcast through the hospital’s network system and into patient’s rooms
Children and families also enjoyed a visit from Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, the Grinch and his antlered deer (dog), Max. Officer John McGarry dressed up as the Grinch and Spectrum Health K9, Cain, dressed as his dog Max.
Dr. Connors relayed a message from Helen DeVos that she whispered to him, “Helen wants you all to know that she is sending a big holiday kiss to all of you.”