Lynch posed for a photo with Ciara after getting a makeover. Photo credit: Corky Trewin

Today, patients at Seattle Children’s were pampered thanks to Ciara, who along with her glam squad, surprised children at the hospital with complimentary makeovers.

“Every time I visit Seattle Children’s, I see how strong these children are who are going through such difficult battles,” said Ciara. “I wanted to help make them feel as strong and beautiful as they are to me, and to let them know I’m thinking about them. I often hear that I inspire these kids, but they’re really the ones that inspire me. They are the real superheroes of today.”

Ciara, who often visits Seattle Children’s with her husband, Seahawk’s quarterback Russell Wilson, wanted to organize an event to help make kids at the hospital feel beautiful – both inside and out. And so, for the day, Seattle Children’s was transformed into a beauty salon for “Ciara’s Makeover Monday by Revlon.”

“The event was amazing,” said Fiona Lynch, 18, who is currently a patient at Seattle Children’s. “Ciara and her glam squad are incredible! They were all so nice and made me feel so special.”

A break from hospital routine

Today meant a lot to Lynch who has been in the hospital for more than two months. She recently underwent surgery and is being treated for Crohn’s disease.

“Being in the hospital can make you sad or get you down,” said Lynch. “Today wasn’t like other days in the hospital. I didn’t have to think about medications or scans. It really took my mind off being in the hospital and gave me a break. I just want to thank Ciara for thinking of us. It means a lot to the kids in the hospital who are sick.”

Rodriguez was smiling ear to ear after her makeover. Photo credit: Corky Trewin

Lynch is hoping to be discharged from the hospital this week and said her makeover was the perfect way to celebrate the possibility of finally going home.

A different kind of appointment

For Madisen Rodriguez, 17, a makeover was just what the doctor ordered.

“It’s fun to have an appointment that’s not with a doctor,” said Rodriguez. “It was cool to get to talk about hair and make up. That’s everything I love! It made me feel really special and happy.”

Rodriguez has been a patient at Seattle Children’s for years. She relapsed with Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer of the lymph system, in 2016, but she’s nearing the end of her treatment.

“I want to thank Ciara for making me feel uplifted, and for giving me more confidence,” said Rodriguez. “A lot of people look up to Ciara. She’s really inspiring, but when I had a chance to meet her she told me I inspired her. One day, I hope I can help uplift and encourage other people too, just like her.”

A moment to remember

When Daisy Perez, 16, heard she’d be getting a makeover from Ciara’s glam squad, she couldn’t contain her excitement.

“I got to meet Ciara and get a makeover,” said Perez. “I don’t know what’s better than that! It’s pretty cool they took the time out of their day to come visit us.”

Perez relaxed as Ciara’s glam squad gave her a makeover. Photo credit: Corky Trewin

Perez has been undergoing rehabilitation at Seattle Children’s since Dec. 23. In November, she was in a traumatic car accident only a half a mile from her home where she was intubated at the scene. She fractured her skull, had a collapsed lung and broke her pelvis, among other things. Her mother says, they are blessed she’s doing so well today after everything she’s been through.

Today, Perez wasn’t thinking about the crash or rehabilitation. She was smiling and laughing and talking about how much she loved her hair.

“I feel so beautiful,” said Perez. “It means a lot that someone cares so much.”