The Mystic Order of Masked Miracles paraded Feb. 17 through the hallways of USA Children's & Women's Hospital, as pediatric patients threw beads and shared smiles with hospital staff.  The annual Mardi Gras parade is part of the hospital's "distraction therapy" for young patients to help them stay connected with their usual activities. 

Queen Hailey Jones of the Mystic Order of Masked Miracles generously shares her bounty as her mother, Amber Lavender, escorts her at USA Children's & Women's Hospital's annual Mardi Gras parade.

Dante Barlow winds up for another throw during the Mystic Order of Masked Miracles parade at USA Children's & Women's Hospital as his mother, Catherine Perryman, provides transportation

King Leandro Lopez, front right, is assisted by Shyenne Rustin as he fulfills his duties during the Mystic Order of Masked Miracles parade at USA Children's & Women's Hospital.