WINSTON-SALEM -- Instead of being on the big screen, some of the characters from Star Wars were seen at a Winston-Salem hospital helping bring some cheer to some smaller patients. Brenner Children's Hospital invited the characters in to cheer up some patients on Friday.
"We never have Christmas at home. All Christmases we have them in hospitals," said Ndabazezwe Viki, a patient’s parent.
To help families like the Vikis, Brenner Children's Hospital invited some people dressed as Star Wars characters to visit. Hospital staff brought them in as part of special events they host for their patients to try to "normalize" a hospital environment.
"They can come to the playrooms and interact with the other children for socialization, or we can take items to the rooms, and I have Child Life staff who work in the playrooms with the patients," said Cindy Mahan, Brenner Children's Hospital Child Life Department manager.
But Friday was extra special as parents watched their kids focus on their stars rather than the reality.
"What he's seen lifts his spirits because he usually watches this on television," said Viki.
"Good, excited. I'm a huge Star Wars fan," said Jeffery Hicks, a patient at Brenner Children's Hospital.
"I think one of the very first reactions I saw was one of our patients going up and I think they gave Vader a big hug so, I think it definitely was a big success," said Mahan.
Even being forced to stay in a bed, Viki's son got a rare opportunity to shake a Stormtrooper's hand.
"He has gained some sort of treasure which he will show in life," said Viki.
Brenner Children's Hospital staff also delivers toys to patients on Christmas in an effort to make it seem more like home.