Former preemies ride Austin park rides for annual fall gathering
University Health brought hundreds of families to Morgan's Wonderland for Halloween activities.
By Ibrahim Howard ·
Hundreds of children who received care at University Health spent Halloween at Morgan's Wonderland in Austin. The group gathered at the accessible theme park to ride attractions and collect candy.
The annual event connects families with the hospital's three main support programs. The PREMIEre program serves premature infants. The NICU Graduate Program offers medical, developmental, and nutritional help during a child's first two years. The Comprehensive Care Clinic provides ongoing support through age five.
The park was chosen because its infrastructure accommodates various mobility challenges. Features like the ferris wheel, slides, and carousels are built for children with special needs. The WingZ of Wonder attraction is also designed with accessibility in mind.
Dr. Glen Medellin, a palliative pediatrician at University Health, treated many of the attendees. He noted that the gathering offers a different perspective than daily clinical care. "It’s beautiful to see these children out here, not sick and with their families," Medellin said. "It makes them feel normal."
The celebration marks a milestone for participants in the NICU Graduate Program, which focuses on the first two years after birth. Families dressed in costumes for the Halloween theme. They participated in trick-or-treating alongside the regular park operations.
Source: Texas Public Radio
