Local Orthodontist Builds 'Johnny Cars' of Hope for Pediatric Heart Patients

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May 15, 2019 | Katrina Sorensen, Research Coordinator | @katrinasorensen

This story originally appeared on the In the Loop blog.

Last summer, John Lawson saw a Facebook post that would soon change his life, and hundreds of others, forever. Featured in the post was a man named Alton Thacker, who'd built more than 800,000 toy cars for children. Thacker's generosity inspired Dr. Lawson to do the same.

Dr. Lawson's first move was to contact Thacker and to his delight, the man was more than happy to help him. Thacker shared his templates and helped Dr. Lawson get the supplies he needed. Before long, Dr. Lawson was making beautiful masterpieces of his own and he knew exactly who to give them to - the pediatric patients of Mayo Clinic cardiovascular surgeon Joseph Dearani, M.D.

Continue reading this story on the In the Loop blog.

Are you looking for ways to help? Start a discussion in the Just Want to Talk group on the Mayo Clinic Connect page for inspiration or to find others who'd like to join you!