SALISBURY TWP., Pa. - Wind chills in the low 30s did not deter superheroes that descended from the roof of Lehigh Valley Reilly Children's Hospital on Thursday.
Under gray skies and with winds gusting to 25 mph, Spiderman and the Flash rappelled from the top of the six-story building, waving to the kids inside who are isolated or coping with serious illness.
- Superheroes descended from the top of Lehigh Valley Health Network's Reilly Children's Hospital
- The window washing superheroes are from Southampton Window Cleaning & Janitorial Services, Inc.
- They donned outfits to look like Superman, Spiderman and the Flash.
The window-washing superheroes have been entertaining young patients since they first scaled the building in 2019. But like last year, they were unable to visit the children face-to-face due to ongoing COVID-19 safety protocols and higher than normal seasonal illnesses.
Samuel Persaud and Farouk Kalamodeen, window cleaning experts from Southampton Window Cleaning & Janitorial Services, Inc., Southampton, Pa., were still eager to don the superhero costumes as they dropped down the outside of the building.
Live from @LVHN Reilly Children's Hospital as superheroes descend down the building @LVNewsdotcom pic.twitter.com/pS08R1bM02
— Stephanie Sigafoos (@ssigafoos) November 17, 2022
A small group of kids also gathered outdoors to watch in awe, with Tristan Devine dressed as Buzz Lightyear greeting families and waving hello to those braving the cold to watch the high-wind heroics from the ground.
LVHN opened the Children’s Hospital in 2012 and provides more than 30 pediatric specialties – from childhood cancer to pulmonology. It is a community leader in pediatric care and the area's only children’s hospital.
"I've been doing this for a couple of years. It's my third time doing it," said Kalamodeen, who was dressed as Spiderman. "I'm happy I'm actually here doing it for the kids again next year.
"No fears with the weather. None at all. I'm just trying to make them happy."
Superman also waved from the roof just as the sun peeked through the clouds to help brighten the day of the young patients.
