Miss Florida USA 2021 and Starlight Children’s Foundation deliver happiness to patients at AdventHealth for Children

Orlando, FL -- Patients at AdventHealth for Children got a “royal” visit today from Ashley Cari­­­ño, Miss Florida USA 2021.

Cariño joined Starlight Children’s Foundation to celebrate its longstanding partnership with AdventHealth for Children by delivering several of its programs to kids being cared for at the hospital. Starlight also introduced its interactive Anatomy Gown with a game-based learning activity, navigated through a Quick Response (QR) Code printed on the fabric.

For more than 15 years, Starlight Children’s Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to brightening the lives of sick kids, has been partnering with AdventHealth for Children, providing them with many of its custom programs. To date, the hospital has received close to 20,000 Starlight products from gaming and virtual reality, toys, hospital gowns and more.

Adam Garone, CEO of Starlight Children’s Foundation, presented Dr. Rajan Wadhawan, senior executive officer for AdventHealth for Children and AdventHealth for Women, a donation of several of Starlight’s programs, including a Starlight Gaming Station preloaded with Nintendo video games and the new Starlight Radio Flyer Hero Wagon, uniquely designed to bring light to patient transport.

“We thank Starlight Children’s Foundation for helping to elevate the experience of our pediatric patients at AdventHealth for Children,” said Wadhawan. “By combining clinical excellence with joy, the children and their families may experience a comprehensive, whole care approach to healing that speeds recovery and comforts as it cares.”

Cariño, from Kissimmee, is currently studying aerospace engineering at the University of Central Florida and competed in the 70th Miss USA pageant in November, finishing second runner-up. She is also a science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) advocate.

“I’m honored to be part of today’s event with Starlight Children’s Foundation and AdventHealth for Children," said Cariño. "To see the kids get excited about the Starlight Anatomy Gown, designed to teach kids the anatomy of the human body through an interactive game, was a proud moment. Today, this visit made an impact on several kids in one hospital. But, imagine the impact Starlight has on thousands of kids across hundreds of hospitals throughout the country. It’s powerful.”