Making hospital visits less stressful during the holidays can be a challenge for families. At Cincinnati Children’s, we love seeing creative ways parents bring comfort and joy to their child’s experience. Here’s one heartwarming example that turned an MRI appointment into a magical memory.
On the morning of Paisley’s big MRI appointment at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, something magical happened—her Christmas elves, Elf and Snoop, decided to tag along! These festive friends weren’t just there for fun; they were on a mission to keep the holiday spirit alive during Paisley’s visit.
To protect their magic (because everyone knows touching an elf makes the magic disappear!), the clever duo tucked themselves safely into a sealed container. With their magic secure, Paisley proudly gave them a VIP tour of the prep room and even the MRI scan room.
When it was time for Paisley to hop into the scanner, the elves found the perfect spot by the window to watch over her. For a moment, they weren’t just elves—they were true “Elves on a Shelf” bringing comfort and cheer to a brave little patient.
This heartwarming moment reminds us that even during medical appointments, a sprinkle of holiday magic can make all the difference. At Cincinnati Children’s, we encourage families to bring familiar items or festive traditions to help kids feel safe and supported.
atherine Leopard is a Child Life Specialist in the Radiology Department at Cincinnati Children’s. She has been recognized multiple times—both individually and as part of a team—in Patient & Family Experience survey comments for consistently providing exceptional care. Catherine is known for creating positive, supportive experiences for patients and families during radiology visits.
Glenn Miñano is a media specialist in the Department of Radiology, providing graphic design, photography, printing, video services, and administration of the department’s online properties. His works have been published in several medical articles, such as the American Journal of Radiology and the American Institute of Ultrasound. He has been providing these services to the Radiology Department since 1996.
Meredith Towbin is a freelance copy editor and writer. She has copyedited the Department of Radiology’s blog since it launched. She also works as a copy editor for the home improvement website BobVila.com. Her writing has been featured on HuffPost as well as other writing sites.
