Disney magic lifting spirits at La Rabida Children's Hospital in Chicago

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Super heroes and animated friends are lifting patients' spirits at La Rabida Children's Hospital in Chicago.

Disney, the parent company of ABC7 Chicago, is decorating ceilings at some rooms there.

Some character favorites from Disney, Pixar, Star Wars and Marvel are giving children familiar faces to look up to.

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Being in the hospital can be scary for anyone, especially a kid. That is a reason why the Walt Disney Company is trying to make the experience better and easier by lending some of its own magic.

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.