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Show !.. ; . ... - ,. i f - i i ' 1 ' ' ' : : . ' n 1 James Branin, 7, receives a Halloween visit from "Auntie Wto brighten up his stay at American Fork Hospital. Riva' brightens kids' Halloween Being hospitalized on Hallow- is no fun for any child. This alloween was made brighter for aHatric patients at American wk Hospital by a special disced dis-ced visitor loaded with tricks treats-Aunty Riva. . tall costumed character-' Redout in mirrored and beaded ifses, clown suit and a bird-ned bird-ned hat-descended on the of American Fork Hospital games, gifts, and gags for the gsters confined to hospital "When I was nine-years old, I ahospital getting my tonsils ! Halloween Day," says Aunty Jvawho is really a man who en-is en-is keeping his true identity a ; ). "When I grew up, I de- etl I would do som ethi ng for ki ds ; are stuck in the hospital on illoween." J the past 12 years, "Aunty a has been doing just that. .A"a buffed dog on a leash, a bag and lots of jokes and tricks, ' nty Riva visits hundreds of chil dren each year-this Halloween more than 260 children in 11 medical medi-cal facilities between Ogden and Provo had their holiday spirits lifted. "It's hard for children to be in a hospital on Halloween," says the mysterious 'Aunt.' "When I can make a little child smile, there's nothing to replace that feeling." Aunty Riva says he first discovered discov-ered American Fork Hospital the day he was married. He came to the Emergency Room with a migraine headache and was impressed with the "great" people and service. He says he is glad to be able to return to the hospital and cheer up the pediatric patients. Each child visited by Aunty Riva receives a toy, puzzle, or Lego building set. Many of these gifts were donated by McDonalds. As Aunty Riva leaves each child's hospital room, he leaves behind a child who is smiling, laughing, and just a little more comforted that he must spend a holiday in a hospital bed. |