As Barbie-mania sweeps the country on the big screen, the doctors, nurses and staff at WVU Medicine Children’s brought a little of that Mattel magic by sweeping patients away to Barbie Land Wednesday.
Bri Clark, marketing and event specialist at the children’s hospital, said with all the hype surrounding the Barbie movie, they wanted to get in on the fun and celebrate with staff members, patients and their families.
“Hospitals can be a sad place sometimes, and we are very aware of that,” Clark said. “So anytime we can bring some joy, especially at a children’s hospital, we’re gonna take that opportunity.”
Doctors, nurses and hospital staff were all decked out in Barbie-inspired T-shirts and attire – even a few Kens were spotted among those participating. Throughout the day, those passing through the lobby could stop and take a picture inside a life-size Barbie box – just like a Barbie sitting on a shelf.
The photo spot had become pretty popular by late Wednesday morning as staff and those passing by stopped to get a snapshot of them living their best Barbie life and showing they are “Kenough.”
“There’s been so many throughout the day,” she said. “We set it up early this morning and we had our whole surgical services group come down; we’ve had doctors get involved – doctors’ wives have even gotten involved by forcing their husbands to wear Ken shirts that they bought them – so everyone is really excited, and we’ve had a great time.”
According to Clark, while the just-for-fun event was partially for the patients and their families, it was “probably more so for our staff than anyone,” she said.
“When you are taking care of kids all day it can be really rough. They’re crying, they’re waking up from surgery and they’re upset. Giving everyone, parents included, a little fun has been worth it.”
Children staying in the hospital were also greeted by staff from the hospital’s Child Life Program who went room to room with a cart filled with Barbie-themed toys, coloring books and cars that the kids could pick from.
“The patients have been amazing,” Clark said. “They jumped right in and wanted their parents to take pictures of them, so it’s been fun for everyone.”
Seeing everyone having a good time and coming together to enjoy something that many of us enjoyed as children was “really awesome” Clark said.
“You know people are here and not having a great time …” she said. “So, if we can bring just a little bit of joy, that’s what we are here to do.”
