Watching brothers Zion, 6, and Urion, 8, race about gathering Halloween treats, it's hard to imagine they suffer from a major illness.

Photos by OSCAR DURAND/DMN

Starlight volunteer John O'Brien holds a mirror for John-Brandon Borden, 16, of Arlington, so that he can see his freshly painted face.

But both boys have had two strokes apiece due to sickle cell anemia, and they receive blood transfusions monthly.

"People don't know what goes on behind closed doors," said their mother, Teresa Phillips. "It's tough."

A number of children with serious illnesses took a break from their treatments Saturday to play at a Halloween carnival, where they enjoyed games, face painting, a massage chair and candy.

The event was sponsored by Starlight Children's Foundation Texas and Southern Methodist University's Office of Leadership and Community Development. It was held at SMU's student center.

The foundation sponsors outings throughout the year for about 380 children in the Dallas area. Phillips said the events allow her sons to know "the world is not just about them being different."

"The families get to come and have a relaxing time and be away from hospitals and doctors' offices," said Dana Cozby, Starlight program manager. "It's an opportunity to come and not be the only child in the wheelchair or with an oxygen tank."

Juntra Chanthavisay, 11, and her sister Dara, 9, both have a blood disorder. Juntra, wearing a zombie prom queen costume, said she goes on fun trips through the program.

Their father, Thad, said he's learned from other families how to cope with his daughters' health problems. "We try not to mention sickness all the time," he said. "As much as possible, we try to treat them as a normal kid."

Barbie Herskowitz volunteered at the event with her daughter Bryna, 15. Her son Richie took part in Starlight events before he died two years ago at 17, after a battle with cystic fibrosis and a double lung transplant.

The day before he died, he participated in a chocolate extravaganza through the foundation.

"Kids that struggle are just so happy to have some fun," Barbie Herskowitz said.

"It really helps get your mind off things," Bryna added.

There were plenty of children at the event dressed as witches and ghosts. Zion Rangel, 7, zipped across the floor in his wheelchair sporting a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle costume.

Janice Harris watched her daughter Victoria, 8, play games dressed in a Minnie Mouse costume.

"We're able to do activities with children in the same situation," said Harris, whose daughter has a neurological disorder. "We come and feel comfortable together."