From the rooftop of Kingston General Hospital site, the city skyline meets the edge of Lake Ontario like a scene straight from a comic book.
Inside, youngsters from across the region face each day with courage, strength and resilience – overcoming challenges that would test even the bravest champions.
And once a year, this rooftop comes alive as caped crusaders descend from above, thrilling the pediatric patients just beneath their feet...
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The snapshot seen 'round the world.
The first superhero day in 2017 became a viral sensation on social media and made headlines around the world– even as far as Australia!
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'Every year, it's incredible...'
“I never imagined when we came up with the idea that we would be doing this a decade later. It gives me chills as I'm saying this, but this experience of just being able to do something simple and make a whole bunch of people's days better - we love it."
- Chris Stoness, Elite Window Cleaning owner
- Chris Stoness, Elite Window Cleaning owner
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Over the years, more than 14 different heroes have scaled our walls.
Spiderman and Batman are tied for most appearances and- to the delight of young patients -have never missed an event.
Who are these mysterious heroes? Local ‘grime fighters’ from Elite Window Cleaners. For 10 years, they’ve chosen to use their powers for good by transforming into iconic characters to bring joy to patients, families and staff in need of hospital care.
At first glance it may seem like a fun day of dress-up, but research shows that playful events like Superhero Day are highly beneficial for young hospital patients, proven to reduce anxiety and improve emotional well-being.
"Healing is much more than just medicine - it's also about play, compassion and a strong sense of community.”
Linsey King, KHSC child life specialist
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Man of steel, heart of gold.
"I'm really proud to be part of such a happy day for everyone inside, the parents, kids and for us. There's only 10 people in the city who get to do it… I feel very lucky that when I started working here the opportunity came along."
-Dennis Clark, "Superman" + KHSC environmental services assistant
-Dennis Clark, "Superman" + KHSC environmental services assistant
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Pictures worth 1000 words.
Matthew Manor sees superhero day a little differently – through a 70-200mm Nikon lens. Over the past 10 years, he’s captured nearly 10,000 magical Superhero Day memories.
"It's just a moment in time, a single day... but at KHSC it's become a touchstone. We always know Superhero Day is going to be a good day."
- Matthew Manor, KHSC digital/creative advisor
"It's just a moment in time, a single day... but at KHSC it's become a touchstone. We always know Superhero Day is going to be a good day."
- Matthew Manor, KHSC digital/creative advisor
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Courage during COVID.
Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, Superhero Day was especially instrumental in lifting spirits of patients and families who were isolated from additional visitors.
The heroes couldn’t come inside for their usual high-fives, but got creative to make sure each patient felt special – behind the safety of the glass, of course.
The heroes couldn’t come inside for their usual high-fives, but got creative to make sure each patient felt special – behind the safety of the glass, of course.
Here's to 10 years of lifting spirits higher than any cape could fly, and to many more chapters in this super story.
This is the place where the smallest patients fight the biggest battles.
KHSC offers the highest level of acute and specialty pediatric care for all of southeastern Ontario. From premature babies to children’s oncology our health-care heroes are prepared to care for even the sickest kids.
