Superheroes “Drop In” to Cheer Up Kids at Inova Children’s Hospital

Pediatric patients were delighted yesterday to see actual superheroes scaling down the side of Inova L. J. Murphy Children’s Hospital outside their windows.

The real-life heroes were members of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department who had dressed as comic book superheroes to help cheer up and inspire the young patients.

Rappelling down with the greatest of ease from the 11th-floor hospital tower roof,  the troupe included Captain America, Superman, Super Girl and Batman. Some patients also wore masks and capes to share in the fun.

A former Inova Children’s patient, Loren Jewell (dressed as Super Girl), diagnosed with bone cancer when she was 14 years old and treated at Inova Fairfax Hospital, has been in remission for 17 years.

“I’ve been on the other side of the glass,” she said. “So to be able to be on this side of the glass today and connect with them and just show them that they’re not alone and we’re here means the world to me.”

Many thanks to all at the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department and Inova who made yesterday’s special event possible, including Inova Child Life Services, Safety and Security, Emergency Management and Engineering.

Superhero visit at Inova Children’s – View photo collage set to music: