Copyright Forbes
What if a child’s first MRI felt less like a medical procedure—and more like a story they already understood? That idea sits at the heart of Starlight Children’s Foundation’s partnership with the LEGO Group. In pediatric care, the most transformative technology might just be imagination—used deliberately to reduce fear, build trust, and help families breathe again. The Power Of Play Since 2024, the LEGO Group has partnered with Starlight Children’s Foundation to bring the LEGO® MRI Scanner set into hospitals across the United States. Starlight—whose nationwide network spans over 800 children’s hospitals and pediatric facilities—serves as the exclusive U.S. distributor of this model, which is not available in retail. The sets are donated to hospitals through the LEGO Group’s social-responsibility partners worldwide, including Starlight in the U.S., as well as Fairy Bricks, United Way, and Ai You in other regions. Designed by the LEGO Group and the LEGO Foundation, the set includes a scanner, patient bed, waiting room, scanning room, staff figures, and medical accessories—tangible pieces that let care teams teach, and kids learn, through play. That matters because MRI machines are big, loud, and demand stillness; for many children, sedation or general anesthesia is the default. New global research conducted by the LEGO Group suggests the approach is working: almost half of respondents report that it has reduced the need for sedation or anesthesia during MRI procedures. Additionally, 96% of healthcare professionals globally who have used the LEGO MRI Scanner set say the model helps alleviate children’s anxiety. “We’re truly honored and grateful to be the U.S. distribution partner of the LEGO® MRI Scanner set. At Starlight, we believe that healing begins with happiness. That’s why we aim to bring play into the hospital setting, which helps patients and healthcare teams connect, build trust, and empower children to have a sense of control over their care. When children are feeling more positive and engaged with their medical journey, it can lead to improved health outcomes,” said Adam Garone, CEO of Starlight Children’s Foundation. A Moment That Changes Everything At Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, 9-year-old Jameson—nicknamed “Strongman Jameson”—was preparing for his first MRI amid a third battle with cancer. Before heading in, he turned to his mother, Noelle, and said, “Mom, it’s okay, we can do hard things.” It quickly became the family’s motto. But the unknown still loomed. “I was worried for him,” Noelle said. “I’ve heard stories from other moms about how it’s really difficult for children to be in an MRI machine, how it’s hours long because kids get scared because of the loud noises or they don’t know what to expect.” That’s when child life specialist Vianey Marquez stepped in with the LEGO MRI set. “One of my favorite tools to incorporate into teaching kids about an MRI procedure is the LEGO MRI scanner set. Before a child’s scan, I use the LEGO set to introduce the imaging process through hands-on play and exploration. Children can see how the bed moves, where the pictures are taken, and even role-play the process with LEGO figures. This kind of medical play helps pediatric patients understand what to expect, ask questions, and feel more confident about their scan,” said Marquez. The result? Jameson’s anxiety faded—so much so that he fell asleep during the scan and completed it successfully. As he put it, “So, I was a little nervous. Then, after they explained it with like the LEGO MRI machine, it helped me, like a bunch,” said Jameson. Marquez added, “Programs like this are essential in pediatric care settings as they can help reduce fear and make complex medical experiences more child-friendly, creating a more positive experience for both patients and their families.” Scaling Hope Starlight’s reach—over 800 pediatric facilities across the U.S.—means distribution can scale where it matters: directly to care teams and the children they serve. Each LEGO MRI kit becomes a repeatable intervention: a way to transform a potentially stressful procedure into a playful, hands-on learning experience. Reimagining Healthcare, Together When a beloved toy brand joins forces with a children’s health charity, two worlds meet: imagination and medicine. The collaboration between Starlight and the LEGO Group shows how purpose-driven organizations can support the emotional and mental well-being of children in clinical settings—pairing compassion with creativity and innovation. With over one million children having used the LEGO® MRI Scanner set globally, this model of play-based care is evidence-informed, scalable, and deeply human. Dreaming Forward The vision doesn’t stop at bricks. Starlight is developing an augmented-reality experience for kids undergoing long-term treatment—activated through a smartphone to transport patients into imaginative worlds beyond the hospital room. Children explore adventures, solve puzzles, and unlock new journeys tailored to their treatment path—another way to restore agency, spark joy, and help them keep going. The north star is simple and radical: make play an integral part of pediatric healthcare and an essential part of healing. Why It Matters Because even in the hospital, kids are still kids—and every moment of confidence, control, and courage can change the way they heal. If you’re a healthcare leader, a hospital foundation, or a brand wondering where to begin, start with this question: what if your next innovation wasn’t only clinical, but creative? The answer might be as small as a brick—and as big as a child’s courage.
