Construction Workers Lift 4-Year-Old's Spirits During Hospital Stay

A group of construction workers in Cleveland brighten a young girl's day with heartwarming gestures.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Every afternoon around 3 p.m., a group of construction workers building the new Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute take a break to wave and form heart shapes with their hands towards the hospital window of 4-year-old Brinley Wyczalek, who has been waiting over 100 days for a heart transplant. The workers have also organized donations of toys, games, and a large stuffed bear for Brinley to help lift her spirits during this difficult time.

Why it matters

Brinley's story highlights the power of community and small acts of kindness to provide hope and joy to those facing serious health challenges, especially young children. The construction workers' daily gestures demonstrate compassion and the positive impact people can have on the lives of strangers.

The details

The group of construction workers building the new Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute have made it a daily ritual to wave and form heart shapes with their hands towards the hospital window of 4-year-old Brinley Wyczalek, who has been waiting over 100 days for a heart transplant. In addition to the heartwarming gestures, the workers have also organized donations of coloring books, games, a signed hard hat, and a large stuffed bear twice Brinley's size to help brighten her day during this difficult time.

  • Every afternoon around 3 p.m., the construction workers make their daily gesture towards Brinley's hospital window.
  • Brinley has been waiting for a heart transplant for over 100 days.

The players

Brinley Wyczalek

A 4-year-old girl waiting for a heart transplant at the Cleveland Clinic.

Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute

The hospital where Brinley is receiving treatment and the construction site where the workers are building a new facility.

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What’s next

The construction workers plan to continue their daily gestures and donations to support Brinley throughout her hospital stay as she awaits a heart transplant.

The takeaway

This story demonstrates the profound impact that small acts of kindness and community support can have on the lives of those facing serious health challenges, especially young children. The construction workers' heartwarming gestures and thoughtful donations provide a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion and human connection, even among strangers.