Fandom With Purpose: Answering the Call for Hospitalized Kids

In 2021, the nonprofit Starlight Children’s Foundation, with its mission to deliver happiness to hospitalized kids and their families, caught the attention of the Los Angeles Ghostbusters (LAGB). As they learned more about Starlight’s work, the LAGB empathized with the challenges hospitalized children face, including battling anxiety, boredom and pain. They couldn’t just stand around — they had to do something. 

And that’s what they did! They suited up for hospitalized kids, hosting creative fundraisers to deliver Starlight programs, including Ghostbusters-themed Starlight Hospital Gowns and Toys, to kids nationwide.  

With these crucial resources, kids received play-based care that helped them feel brave like their favorite heroes, find comfort to cope and ease anxiety throughout their hospital stay. 

Since then, with the support of Ghost Corps and Sony Pictures Entertainment, the LAGB and Ghostbusters fan groups from coast to coast teamed up to raise over $95,000 for Starlight!

“When a child puts on a Ghostbusters-themed Starlight Hospital Gown, they're not just a patient—they become a hero ready to take on their hospital stay with determination and bravery,” said Adam Garone, CEO of Starlight. “Thanks to the incredible generosity of Ghostbuster groups nationwide, these gowns unleash the healing power of play, giving kids a renewed sense of optimism, resilience, and courage. " 

Local Ghostbusters groups in California, Colorado, Florida, Texas, and Indiana engaged with kids at eight children’s hospitals, delivering Ghostbusters-themed toys and hospital gowns, along with talent from the films, including actress Mckenna Grace and filmmakers Jason Reitman and Gil Kenan. 

"There's a reason why we like cosplay. We want to be the characters we fall in love with on the big screen," said Jason. "In the same way they bring us together, they can bring us together to do good. Frankly, that's what makes me so impressed with what Starlight has done, not only in the Ghostbusters universe, but across so many comic books and movie franchises."

Ghostbusters fan groups have made a remarkable impact on the lives of countless families across the country, but the mission isn’t over. 

Millions of kids in the 824 hospitals and medical facilities in Starlight’s network need comfort and moments of happiness.

With your help, even more kids can experience the power of play from Starlight programs during their most challenging moments. 

You can be their hero. 

Suit-up. Join the mission. Be a force for good.