Ushering in the Year of the Snake With Hopes of Transformation and New Beginnings

Hearing the beating of drums and clash of cymbals, patients and their families gazed in awe of the colorful purple lion dancers. The dancers leaped and bobbed their heads, weaving around the lobby at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford as the hospital’s annual Lunar New Year celebration rang in the Year of the Snake.

In accordance with hospital safety protocols and visitor guidelines, Child Life specialists created various activity stations for young patients to explore before the lion dance performance. They decorated paper lanterns, painted cherry blossom trees, and had the opportunity to win books and toys. Patients who were unable to join the festivities had goodie bags delivered to their rooms.

“For me as a parent, it’s really healing for me to see my daughter interact with other kids,” says Vicky Perez, mother of 5-year-old Olivia who was at Packard Children’s for her fourth heart surgery. “To be able to bring her out of her hospital room and enjoy normal activities is really heartwarming and normalizes her stay here.”

Warren Nguyen, 10, was joined at Packard Children’s by his entire family. They prepared red envelopes, which are traditionally given during Lunar New Year celebrations and symbolize good luck and fortune, for the lions.

“We’re excited for everything that’s happening here in terms of sharing our culture and heritage with everyone,” says Vinh Nguyen, his father. “It’s also a morale boost for Warren too – new year, new health. This is the first time he’s out of his room since being admitted into the intensive care unit about a month ago. I think this is going to help his spirits and provide a lot for his soul.”

The Year of the Snake is recognized to be one of positive transformation and letting go of the past for growth.

For more than a decade, CM Capital Foundation has sponsored the Lunar New Year party at Packard. Their employees come and volunteer as part of the celebration, helping to bring fun and educational activities to our patients.