Disney magic lifting spirits at La Rabida Children's Hospital on South Promontory Drive in Jackson Park, Chicago
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO — At La Rabida Children’s Hospital in Chicago, superheroes and beloved animated characters are bringing joy and comfort to young patients.

Disney, which owns ABC7 Chicago, has been transforming the ceilings in certain rooms to create more welcoming environments.

The ceilings now feature cherished characters from Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel, giving children familiar faces to uplift them during their stay.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Hospital visits can be daunting for anyone, particularly for children. In response, The Walt Disney Company is sprinkling some of its signature magic to help ease the experience.

Ladhaj Lock shared her relief, knowing her son has Mickey Mouse watching over him. Her son, who recently turned two and adores Mickey Mouse, is dealing with a brain condition. Thanks to Disney, his room at La Rabida now includes a tile featuring Sorcerer Mickey and other favorite characters.

Ladhaj Lock, mother of patient

“He doesn’t have many procedures, but when he does, seeing those pictures will make him smile,” Lock expressed. “Especially seeing Mickey Mouse will help him feel at ease after those challenging procedures.”

Ladhaj Lock says she feels better already knowing Mickey Mouse will be by her son’s side. The mom says she and her son, who turned 2 years old Thursday and loves Mickey Mouse, won’t have to battle his brain condition alone now that the toddler’s room at La Rabida Children’s Hospital dons a tile of Sorcerer Mickey and other Disney characters.

“He has not that many procedures, but when he does, I think see in the pictures will make him smile, especially Mickey Mouse, and make him feel comfortable after having those tough procedures that he does have,” Lock said.

The hospital, located in Chicago’s Jackson Park neighborhood recently transformed the ceilings of 39 patient rooms with Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars-themed tiles.

The effort is a part of the Disney Children’s Hospital Initiative. It’s a $100 million global commitment to children’s hospitals.

The activation is a part of a broader goal to improve the patient experience and brighten their stays by replacing blank ceilings with their beloved Disney characters.

“It can help us for procedures. It helps us for distraction and redirection and make those for child life,” La Rabida child life specialist Xavier Sudlow said. “Our biggest goal is to have each and every procedure stress and anxiety.”

La Rabida is a small pediatric specialty hospital that caters to children with lifelong medical conditions serving roughly 9,000 kids a year.

The Disney elements are like mini murals and are bright and visually stunning. They feature Disney characters and stories, depicting scenes from well-known animated movies like “Frozen,” “Cars” and “The Incredibles.”

Those at the hospital expect the Disney tiles to make quite a difference not just for patients, but for their families too.

“I like it, and I just like the Disney characters, and I know how much kids love Disney… so it’s gonna be good for them,” Lock said.

So far, the company has provided more than 1,500 children’s hospitals and pediatric places of care in 45 countries with inspiring installations, themed hospital gowns, toy deliveries, hospital visits and more.

It’s expected all of the tiles will be installed by Friday, hopefully adding a little excitement and providing joy and some comfort to the children during their stay.

The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of this news station.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
UN under fire as USAID investigators probe Hamas diversion of aid to Gaza

UN Scrutinized: USAID Investigates Alleged Hamas Misappropriation of Gaza Aid

As the truce between Israel and Hamas unfolds, the USAID Office of…
Trump’s ‘Inflated Beef’ Claims Spur DOJ Investigation Into Meat Packers

DOJ Probes Meat Packers After Trump’s Controversial ‘Inflated Beef’ Allegations

What’s happening with beef prices? On Friday, former President Trump didn’t explicitly…
Illinois SNAP recipients receive partial benefits before funding order blocked by Supreme Court Justice Jackson

Supreme Court Justice Jackson Halts Full Illinois SNAP Benefits: What You Need to Know

In a significant development, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson has…
Multiple agencies responding after LifeFlight helicopter crashes in Tennessee; casualties unknown

Emergency Response Mobilized After LifeFlight Helicopter Crash in Tennessee: Casualty Details Pending

Emergency crews are on the scene in Wilson County, Tennessee, following the…
Former colleagues pay tributes to pilots killed in UPS cargo plane crash in Kentucky

Former Colleagues Honor Fallen Pilots in Kentucky UPS Cargo Plane Tragedy

The recent tragic crash of a UPS cargo plane in Louisville, Kentucky,…
Bronx man who knifed neighbor over parking pleads guilty, sentenced to 16 years

Bronx Resident Admits Guilt in Neighbor Stabbing Over Parking Dispute, Receives 16-Year Sentence

A Bronx man, aged 46, has been sentenced to 16 years in…
Some states are requiring gun safety lessons in schools that teach kids 'stop, don't touch'

Why More States Are Mandating ‘Stop, Don’t Touch’ Gun Safety Lessons in Schools

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — As the new school year unfolds, students across…
Flocking to Florida: Flamingo numbers are growing in the Sunshine State

Flamingo Comeback: Discover the Surprising Surge of Flamingos in Florida’s Wetlands

In a delightful twist of fate, Florida is witnessing a resurgence in…
Mike Lupica: Giants need to turn positive Jaxson Dart start into wins

Mike Lupica: Giants Must Leverage Jaxson Dart’s Strong Start for Victory

Six years ago, the New York Giants were seen as a team…
Senate holds rare Saturday session aimed at ending shutdown

Urgent Senate Session: Will This Weekend Move Finally End the Government Shutdown?

Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina and a staunch supporter…
At Turning Point USA event, Vice President JD Vance says he hopes his Hindu wife, Usha Chilukuri Vance, converts to Christianity

JD Vance Expresses Hope for Wife’s Faith Journey at Turning Point USA: A Christian Conversion Story in the Making?

In a recent address to a bustling college auditorium, Vice President JD…
Israel’s $10M AI Hasbara: Geofencing Churches & ChatGPT

Inside Israel’s $10M AI Hasbara: How Geofencing and ChatGPT are Reshaping Global Perception

Israel is investing over $10 million in a large-scale propaganda campaign targeting…