As the winter season envelops Royal Oak, a ray of kindness is piercing through the cold for the children at Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital. According to WWJ Newsradio, "Moonbeams for Sweet Dreams," a program that was first launched in 2017, has returned for its sixth year, bringing light to both the literal and metaphorical darkness these children might feel during their hospital stay.
The event, which is quickly becoming a Metro Detroit holiday tradition, invites the community to gather each evening through December 23 to shine flashlights toward the pediatric unit’s windows at 8 p.m. sharp. Kathleen Grobbel, co-leader of Moonbeams and manager of the Child Life program, was quoted in an interview by WXYZ, stating the desire of "creating connection" throughout this initiative.
Attendees of this heartwarming event are encouraged to arrive by 7:45 p.m. and to consider carpooling due to limited parking capacity. Detailed parking guidance is provided, urging participants to utilize the lot across from the North parking deck and just east of the Medical Office Building campus, as outlined by WWJ Newsradio. Spectators also need to remember not to bring items such as drones or laser pointers and to refrain from attending if experiencing any symptoms associated with colds, flu, or COVID-19.
Akin to adding a stitch to the fabric of community life, "Moonbeams for Sweet Dreams" also responds to the diverse needs of the community by hosting a sensory-friendly version of the event. Organizers have made available a support table with stress balls, fidget toys, and earplugs, aiming to ensure that everyone can participate in this outpouring of support. Lisa Muma, a Moonbeams co-leader, noted by FOX 2 Detroit that first responders also play a role, arriving "night after night with the firetrucks, they light up their ladders," even having Santa participate in the illumination.
