A special Halloween treat with the Red Sox's Kevin Youkilis

Trick-or-treaters from the MassGeneral Hospital for Children (MGHfC) Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Center and the Francis H. Burr Proton Therapy Center at the MGH enjoyed a Halloween surprise Oct. 31. Just two days after winning the World Series championship, Boston Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis paid a visit to the young patients. Amid many smiling faces, Youkilis spent time signing baseballs and autographs and joining in a sing-along. Later, fairies, superheroes, young Red Sox players-to-be and princesses went trick-or-treating through the Yawkey Center for Outpatient Care, where they were greeted by MGHers with treats.

Right, Youkilis and patients enjoy the Halloween festivities.

Youkilis' charitable organization, Hits for Kids, supports children's charities and medical research including Christopher's Haven (CH), which provides a comfortable and supportive home for MGHfC and Proton Center patients and their families. CH combined the Halloween event with its one-year anniversary celebration.

Joining the festivities were Dan Olsen, CH founder and president; Martha Welch, CH executive director; Howard Weinstein, MD, chief of the MGHfC Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Center; Heather Peach, MGHfC child life specialist; and many MGH staff members.