Construction Workers Lift Spirits of Sick 4-Year-Old Girl

Cleveland Clinic shares heartwarming story of workers' daily kindness tradition

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

The Cleveland Clinic shared a heartwarming story about a group of construction workers in Cleveland, Ohio, who have been engaging in a daily kindness tradition to lift the spirits of a 4-year-old girl named Brinley Wyczalek, who is waiting for a new heart. The workers have been communicating with Brinley through signs and gestures across the street from her window, and have even brought her a giant teddy bear and a construction hat signed by the team.

Why it matters

This story highlights the power of small acts of kindness to make a meaningful difference in someone's life, especially for a sick child. It also demonstrates how construction workers, who are often seen as tough or impersonal, can show tremendous compassion and empathy towards a member of their local community.

The details

Last month, Brinley Wyczalek, a 4-year-old girl waiting for a new heart, shined a flashlight at the construction workers across the street from her window. The workers shined one back, and then made a sign that said "Get Well Soon." They have continued this daily tradition, trading signs and messages with Brinley, including one that said "keep fighting." The workers have also stopped by to bring Brinley a giant teddy bear and a construction hat signed by the entire team. Even though they are no longer working on that part of the building, the workers still make a point to stop by Brinley's window at the end of each day just to say hello.

  • Last month, Brinley Wyczalek first shined a flashlight at the construction workers.
  • The workers have been continuing their daily kindness tradition since then.

The players

Brinley Wyczalek

A 4-year-old girl waiting for a new heart.

Cleveland Clinic

The healthcare organization that shared this heartwarming story.

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The takeaway

This heartwarming story serves as a reminder that even the smallest gestures of kindness can have a profound impact on someone's life, and that construction workers and other members of the community can come together to support those in need.