In July 2023, 14-year-old Sam Lane was diagnosed with a rare brain and spine cancer just two months after his mother beat breast cancer. While at Boston Children’s Hospital, a nurse asked Sam to help build a Lego MRI scanner set for patients, which has since helped over 1 million kids globally.

Lego’s MRI scanner sets were designed to help children learn about medical procedures through play. The sets feature a scanner, patient bed, waiting room, staff figures, and instruments. Healthcare professionals reported that the model reduces children’s anxiety by 96% and decreases the need for sedation by 46% after playing with it.

The child life specialists at Boston Children’s Hospital emphasize the importance of play in easing children’s anxieties before medical procedures. The Lego MRI set has significantly reduced anxiety and increased familiarity with MRI scans for children, helping them feel more comfortable and prepared for the experience.

Lego has donated over 10,000 MRI play sets to hospitals worldwide. The company’s efforts to expand its customer base have been successful, with a focus on creating bespoke kits for both children and adults. Lego’s botanical and F1 racing sets, along with pop culture-themed kits, have attracted new customers.

Sam Lane, now cancer-free for over a year, used the Lego MRI set to feel connected to other children facing cancer. The set helped him overcome fear and anxiety during his own MRI sessions. Sam’s simple strategy now for MRI scans is falling asleep, a far cry from his initial feelings of claustrophobia and fear.

Read more at CNBC: How Lego MRI scanner sets are reducing anxiety in children