Construction Workers Create Heartwarming Ritual for Young Patient
February 17, 2026
Each afternoon at approximately 3 p.m., construction workers in Cleveland pause their labor to participate in a unique and touching tradition. From an upper floor of their construction site, they look across to a window in a nearby hospital and wave, often making heart shapes with their hands.
On the receiving end is 4-year-old Brinley Wyczalek, who eagerly awaits this daily gesture and reciprocates with heart signs of her own.
Credit: Cleveland Clinic
This heartfelt routine began with a simple interaction involving flashlight signals and has blossomed into a meaningful exchange filled with hope and support.
The story unfolded in January when Brinley had already spent several weeks at the hospital. During one evening, her father, Travis, playfully directed a flashlight beam at the construction site nearby.
“To our surprise, someone flashed a light right back at us,” her mother, Berlyn Wyczalek, recounted.
What followed was an exchange of messages between Brinley’s family and the workers. They placed a “Get Well Soon” sign visible from Brinley’s window, prompting a thankful reply: “Thank you. Waiting for a heart.” The construction crew continued with another sign: “Praying for you and your family. Keep fighting.”
Working on Cleveland Clinic’s upcoming Neurological Institute, the construction team went a step further by organizing donations for Brinley, such as coloring books, games, a signed hard hat, and an oversized stuffed bear.
Union carpenter Devan Nail shared the impact of this connection on the workers:
“We build hospitals to help people heal. But seeing Brinley made it personal. We wanted her to know she has a whole crew behind her.”
Initially born in good health, Brinley’s heart condition was discovered at age 2, attributed to a series of viral infections. She has surpassed 100 days at Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital, waiting for a heart transplant, with a Berlin Heart ventricular assist device aiding her circulation in the interim.
Dr. Shahnawaz Amdani, her pediatric cardiologist, stressed the significant role of emotional support:
“Healing isn’t only physical,” he said. “Human connection matters deeply.”
The routine of waves and heart signs serves as a daily testament to the profound impact that small gestures of kindness can have for those navigating challenging times.
“All of this started with a flashlight,” Berlyn remarked. “And it’s shown us that even in the hardest moments, there’s so much good.”
