This December, Ryan and Valeria Esko and their foundation, Juntos Regalando Sonrisas/Together Giving Smiles hosted a special holiday party for Nicklaus Children’s Hospital hematology and oncology patients and their families outside the Advanced Pediatric Care Pavilion.

The children got to visit with Santa Claus and his elves, take pictures with Zeus the Pet Therapy Dog and his canine friends, meet Mickey Mouse and other costumed characters, and enjoy delicious treats and fun entertainment.

For more than five years, the Esko family and Juntos Regalando Sonrisas have hosted this meaningful event, allowing patients and their families a few hours of respite from their illnesses and treatment. Juntos Regalando Sonrisas’ mission is to provide access to basic needs, play and wishes for children faced with economic and/or health challenges in Latin America and South Florida, to enrich their lives with hope, spirit and happiness. They aim to host events and initiatives that will give children “smiles” by allowing “a kid to be a kid.”