Braeleigh Apley ’12 Inspires Princess and Pirate Day at Mott Hospital

On Nov. 13, a team of Greenhills students held the first Princess and Pirate Day at C.S. Mott Hospital. More than 100 Mott Hospital patients, siblings and parents attended the event, which was developed and led by Greenhills junior Braeleigh Apley.

“Girls just like dressing up and using their imaginations,” said Apley, who has run a successful summer Princess Camp for girls for seven years. “I thought that having a fun- filled event like Princess Camp would really brighten a sick child’s day.”

In addition to working closely with the Mott Child & Family Life Team, Braeleigh met with Paula Crosby-Flick, president of the John R. Crosby Foundation, a nonprofit that supports activities for the families and children staying in Mott Hospital.

“Anything that can be done to give children a break from the everyday routine of the hospital, especially on the weekends [is] appreciated,” Crosby-Flick said.

Greenhills students Marjorie Totten, Marina King, Anna Pan, Gabriela Kaplan, Susanna Miesel, Emily Zubieta and Huron High School student Nicholas Wardner helped to organize the inaugural event and came in costume ready to make the day special for all.

At 1:00 p.m., patients, friends and family gathered for an afternoon of fun. Provided with all necessary tiaras, capes, eye patches, etc., princesses and pirates paraded around the hospital waving swords and wands, and carrying treasure islands and fairy houses that they made at the event.

“This means so much to our family to have something like this at the hospital,” said one parent.

In addition, over 100 bags with costumes, bubbles, princess or pirate candy, and crafts were delivered the children in their hospital rooms.

“It was an incredibly exciting, emotional and rewarding day for all,” said Apley.

Based on the success of this first event, Princess & Pirate Day will be a regularly occurring activity at C.S. Mott Hospital, and the committee will be expanding and fundraising in the winter. If you need more information or are interested in getting involved, please contact Braeleigh at bapley3494@gmail.com.