Superheroes scale Morristown Children's Hospital

MORRISTOWN – Some of Earth's Mightiest Heroes assembled at the Goryeb Children's Hospital Tuesday, taking a temporary reprieve from crime fighting to say hello to kids on National Superhero Day.

Spider-Man and Captain America scaled the walls while Batman waved to onlookers from atop the building, brightening the days of patients, doctors, and staff.

Meanwhile inside, "Super Frier" waving to his fellow heroes as they washed the windows in front of him. "Super Frier's" alter ego is eight-year-old Jack Garzon of Morristown.

Garzon created his own superhero – named for his two powers, fire and flying – when he heard about the special day. Hospital staff even helped Garzon create his own costume, complete with a cape and mask.

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'It's great, so exciting to see such a unique idea here," child life specialist Jenn Coviello said. "To be able to have fun days like this is amazing."

Three-year-old Totowa twins Aaron and Amaia Diaz were jumping for joy when Spider-Man dropped down in front of their window. They waved hello, and Spider-Man happily waved right back.

Behind the Spider-Man costume was Eric Hernandez of Union City dressed, who chose to dress as the web slinger because it was his favorite superhero growing up.

"It's a special feeling to be so popular with the kids," Hernandez said. "It feels really good, deeply in my heart, to do something like this for them."

Six-year-old Kyle Hare of Hackettstown was also excited to see his favorite superhero in person.

"Spider-Man is my favorite, I have books about him," Hare said. He's been Spider-Man for Halloween twice, though last year he dressed as Thor.

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The heroes' day jobs are with Hoboken's Public Window Cleaning Company, which regularly washes the hospital's windows.

Morristown Medical Center spokesperson Pam Garretson said she's wanted to organize a day like this for several years.

"It's all about making kids feel as comfortable as possible and bringing them joy," Garretson said. "I called the company and they said yes right away, loved the idea and offered to do it for no charge."

This is a first time event both for the hospital and for the window cleaning company.

"We have very good employees that are happy to do this for the hospital," Public Window President Felix Claudio said. "We'd love to do this again."

Oscar Godillo of North Bergen dressed as Captain America, and happily posed for pictures with patients and staff after taking care of the windows.

"To do this for the kids is really something," Godillo said. "And it feels great, awesome."

Later in the day, more superheroes - including Wonder Woman and Superman – made their way around the hospital, greeting children who could not leave their rooms.

After that, the hospital held a celebration to honor doctors and staff to cap off the action-packed day.

Staff Writer Michael Izzo: 973-428-6636; mizzo@GannettNJ.com