It began in an emergency room on Thanksgiving Day. My vibrant three-year-old daughter Sofia—who loved ballet, swimming, and racing through life—was diagnosed with a rare genetic heart condition called ALCAPA. In those intense moments at Lurie Children's Hospital, we discovered something unexpected: the power of transforming scary medical moments through play and connection.

 

We watched in amazement as skilled healthcare providers turned cold spray into "Elsa spray," medical procedures into adventures, and necessary routines into opportunities for bonding. These weren't just clever tricks—they were evidence-based techniques that made a real difference in Sofia's care and our family's experience.