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
Young Republicans' Leaked Chats Show How Personal Feuds Are Increasingly Being Weaponized

Leaked Chats Expose Rising Trend of Personal Feuds Among Young Republicans

If you’ve only skimmed the recent headlines, you might assume that the…
Halloween 2025: Mariano's shares spooky Halloween recipes to help you become the ghostest with the mostest

Spooktacular Halloween 2025: Mariano’s Unveils Creative Recipes to Elevate Your Festive Feast

CHICAGO (WLS) — The countdown to Halloween is on, with less than…
Trump, Putin plan Hungary meeting on Ukraine war, Zelenskyy to visit White House Friday

Trump and Putin to Convene in Hungary for Ukraine War Discussions; Zelenskyy Scheduled for White House Visit on Friday

President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he plans to sit down…
Remains of last female Hamas hostage and IDF soldier handed over to Israel

Israel Receives Remains of Final Female Hamas Hostage and IDF Soldier

Amb. Waltz: No one will be left behind in Gaza U.S. Ambassador…
Amazon Prime offers holiday gas deal: How to redeem the perk

Unlock Amazon Prime’s Exclusive Holiday Gas Discount: Step-by-Step Guide to Redeem Your Savings

Amazon is bringing some relief to its Prime members with a special…
Watch live: 'No Kings' protests held across the country

Join the Movement: ‘No Kings’ Nationwide Protests Streamed Live – What You Need to Know

With over 2,500 events planned across the nation, tune in here for…
With no takers yet, White House meets with colleges still weighing an agreement with Trump

White House Seeks College Partners as Trump Agreement Awaits Approval

WASHINGTON (AP) — On Friday, five universities deliberating over President Donald Trump’s…
Epstein flight manifests revealed as House committee releases docs, transcript with former US attorney

House Committee Unveils Epstein Flight Manifests and Transcript with Former U.S. Attorney

On Friday, the House Oversight Committee unveiled a transcript of an interview…
How university indoctrination turned deadly, and why one scholar says it’s only getting worse

Deadly Consequences: Scholar Warns of Escalating University Indoctrination Crisis

The tragic death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and a violent school…
'No Kings' protests to take place across US

Nationwide ‘No Kings’ Demonstrations Set to Sweep Across the US

This marks the third significant demonstration since Donald Trump resumed his presidency,…
New York's Young Republican chapter disbanded after racist and violent messages exposed in group chat

New York’s Young Republican Group Shuts Down Amid Scandal Over Offensive Chat Messages

The New York Young Republican chapter faces ongoing turmoil as a crucial…
Several hurt after apartment balcony collapses in Cincinnati

Multiple Injuries Reported Following Cincinnati Apartment Balcony Collapse

In Cincinnati, Ohio, a wooden balcony on a third-floor apartment gave way…