Newswise — LOS ANGELES (June 13, 2024) -- Young actor Mckenna Grace stepped out of the spotlight to pay a visit to Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s , spreading joy, smiles and a wagon full of gifts to the young patients. The 17-year-old actor, who has starred in popular shows and movies like Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire , The Handmaid’s Tale and Young Sheldon, brought specially designed movie-themed hospital gowns, coloring books and toys for the patients. “It’s fun for me to be able to bring things and just talk to people and talk to kids and teens,” Grace said.
For the visit, Grace teamed up with nonprofit Starlight Children’s Foundation , a longtime partner of Cedars-Sinai that distributes hospital wear, games and supplies to make the inpatient experience more positive for children and their families. “Hospitalization can be a scary and lonely experience,” said Richard Jardiolin, the foundation’s spokesperson. “Our goal is to transform hospital experiences so kids can enjoy the best parts of being a kid, no matter what they're going through.
” Grace has been through it herself. She had spine surgery performed by David L. Skaggs, MD , director of Pediatric Orthopaedics at Guerin Children's, to fix severe scoliosis.
Now, fully recovered and back in action, she is able to bring joy to other patients still on their healthcare journey. “Through visits from celebrities like Mckenna, whose sincerity and kindness were apparent throughout her visit, patients a.
