The sound of a machine and the need for absolute stillness during an MRI can be daunting for anyone, especially for children. Recognizing this challenge, Erik Ullerlund Staehr, a creative mind at LEGO, took a heartwarming step to ease the worries of young patients by designing a delightful LEGO MRI Scanner set. His vision was to create a playful approach to a serious situation, bringing comfort to children facing MRI scans.

In 2022, LEGO generously introduced these special kits to radiology departments worldwide. Over one million children have since benefited from these engaging toys, which include a scanner, patient bed, waiting area, procedure room, staff minifigures, and various medical accessories. This initiative has truly brightened the experiences of young patients everywhere.

Recent research from the LEGO Group revealed that an impressive 96% of healthcare professionals found that the LEGO MRI Scanner set significantly reduced anxiety among children. Additionally, 46% reported a decrease in the need for sedation or anesthesia during MRI procedures. As Traci Aoki-Tan, a child life specialist at Kaiser Permanente Roseville Medical Center, shared, the arrival of the LEGO set brings smiles to the faces of children, transforming the atmosphere in the room and easing the minds of anxious parents.

In the past couple of years, LEGO has donated 10,000 of these cheerful toys to hospitals around the globe, fostering a lighthearted environment for children as they prepare for scans. The findings also highlighted that 95% of healthcare professionals felt the set enhanced the overall hospital experience for families, while 94% noted that it was engaging and enjoyable for kids.

One touching story is that of 14-year-old Sam, who faced a challenging journey with brain and spine cancer at Boston Children's Hospital. Although he didn’t have the LEGO set for his first scan, he later had the chance to build it alongside a child play specialist. Sam's mother, Christina, shared how this experience uplifted his spirits during a difficult time, allowing him to channel his energy into helping other children.

Sam, now celebrating a year of being cancer-free, reflected on how building the LEGO model helped him escape from his worries. He noted that having a playful representation of the MRI machine would have made his earlier experiences less intimidating, emphasizing the importance of understanding what to expect.

The success of the LEGO MRI Scanner set can be attributed to its ability to engage children through play therapy, providing a comforting visual representation of the medical procedure they are about to undergo. Child Life Specialists Alyssa Sachs and Laura Boegler explained that the familiarity of LEGO bricks helps reduce anxiety, making children more eager to learn and participate in their healthcare journey.

As Christina beautifully stated, for children, the LEGO minifigure in the MRI set becomes a companion, sharing in their experience. She expressed her hope to see this set in every hospital, highlighting the profound impact of play on young patients.

The LEGO MRI sets are not available for purchase; they are crafted through LEGO's social responsibility initiatives and donated to hospitals through partnerships with organizations like Fairy Bricks and the Starlight Children's Foundation.

Diana Ringe Krogh, vice president and head of social responsibility at LEGO Group, emphasized the significance of this initiative, noting how a simple act of play can create a positive influence in challenging situations. The LEGO MRI Scanner set not only alleviates the fear associated with scans but also enhances the overall well-being of families during what can be a stressful time.

In a world where comfort and joy are essential, the LEGO MRI Scanner set stands as a testament to the power of imagination and creativity in transforming experiences for young patients.