Mystery and fantasy at the Berrie Center:

There’s no better way to celebrate the day after Halloween than at the Berrie Center. For more than twenty years, the Berrie Center Halloween Candy Exchange Party has provided a special opportunity for children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) to donate their sugary sweets and select a brand-new toy. This signature event is a chance for children and families to bond with one another and with the Berrie Center staff.

Having diabetes on Halloween is no easy feat, but time and again patients find comfort in uniting at the Berrie Center on November 1 to play games, meet new friends and connect with the old ones.

“These events are the heart of the Berrie Center,” said Natasha Leibel, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, Head of Pediatrics, Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center. “I couldn’t be prouder of the hard work our team put in to make this happen.”

The year’s party had a fairytale theme. Elves, fairies, and other mystical figures floated throughout the floor.  Art therapist Cara Lampron and pediatric coordinator Kindra Matthews worked their creative magic to set a magical scene with lots of tricks and artistic treats. Upon entering the festivities, guests “fed” the Berrie Center tree monster with their Halloween candy. “I am the tree monster. I eat worries and sweets!” Read the sign. “Next, you will visit the witch who has a toy for you!”

A long table filled with toys including dolls, remote control cars, slime and stuffed animals was a joyful sight for all candy traders. Activities included pin the insulin pump on the witch, a Halloween scavenger hunt, face painting and candy corn bowling.

“An event like this really speaks to who we are,” said Robin Goland, MD, Co-Director, Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center and J. Merrill Eastman Professor of Clinical Diabetes at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. “The children and their families were so happy and joyful. I am grateful to everyone for all their work to make it the success it was.”

The Berrie Center Halloween Candy Exchange Party is made possible through the generosity of our donors. To contribute to events like this, and other programs at the Berrie Center, please click here.