Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital Patients and Staff Perform in Talent Show

In honor of National Childhood Cancer and Sickle Cell Awareness months, Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital hosted a talent show at the Children's Cancer and Multipurpose Infusion Center for its patients to help brighten their spirits. On Sept. 22, 12 acts entertained around 70 guests at the Children’s Cancer and Multipurpose Infusion Center’s circus-themed talent show. The event also featured an ice cream bar, crafts, face painting, dancing, a disc jockey, a magician and a special meet-and-greet with Miss Pennsylvania, Miranda Moore, and Miss Pennsylvania Teen, Lizzie Shacklett.

“This gives our young patients who are battling diseases like cancer and sickle cell a way to see the hospital and their caregivers in a different light and have some fun,” said J. Nathan Hagstrom, MD, Physician-in-Chief of Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital.

The evening included a stacked lineup of talent with performances by the children treated at the Children’s Cancer Center, Children’s Hospital staff and the event’s special guests – with Moore performing on her clarinet and Shacklett performing Irish step dancing. The participants demonstrated their talents by singing, dancing and even telling jokes. The staff performances included Dr. Hagstrom and his daughter, Kelsey Hagstrom, singing and playing the guitar together, and Stephen Kong, DO, with his golden guitar performance.

“It was great to see the children and families come together with the staff from the Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital Cancer and Infusion Clinic,” said Vanessa Gramm, Director, Child Life Department, Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital. “The children and families were able to see their doctors and nurses as real people outside of the clinic. Both the kids and the staff got to show off their talents, and dance the night away.”