The Prongers visited on behalf of TinySuperheroes, a St. Louis-based nonprofit that encourages hospitalized kids to reframe the way they see their medical issues, revealing their “superpowers.”
The only hospital of its kind in Missouri and one of only a select few in the country, Ranken Jordan specializes in caring for children and their families with the most complex conditions, illnesses and injuries, bridging the gap between hospital and home.
The Prongers’ visit was an example of activities the hospital puts on as part of its Care Beyond the Bedside model which encourages patients to get out of their hospital beds, engage with others, and heal through play.
Dressed as Superman and Superwoman, the Prongers inducted patients into the TinySuperheroes “Super Squad” and showed the kids how to make superhero capes.
“In my career, I’ve played a lot of tough games, but nothing compares to the strength I saw in these kids today,” said Chris Pronger. “It was humbling and inspiring. Hospitals like Ranken Jordan, and missions like TinySuperheroes, show that real healing is about more than medicine. It’s about hope, joy, and knowing you’re never alone.”
Once inducted into the “Superhero Squad,” patients have the opportunity to get cape patches to mark milestones and acts of bravery in the hospital, such as going to therapy or getting a trach. Superheroes are also invited to complete free monthly missions that are not clinical, allowing them to continue feeling like part of a team. The parents of patients are also welcomed into a supportive community where they can connect with and lean on other families for encouragement and understanding.
“At Ranken Jordan, we are always looking for ways to give hospitalized children opportunities to be more active participants in their healing journey,” said Nick Holekamp, MD, Chief Medical Officer for Ranken Jordan. “We loved the idea of having our kids join the ‘Superhero Squad’ to become the superheroes of their own stories. Like TinySuperheroes, we also believe in tapping into the healing power within each child so partnering with this organization that focuses on empowering medically vulnerable children was a natural fit for our population.”
Erika Sinner, Chief Empathy Officer for TinySuperheroes added that both organizations are focused on using play as healing, something the Prongers wanted to support.
“We’re honored to partner with Ranken Jordan, a hospital that truly understands the power of play, welcomes all kids, and sets the standard for weaving joy and connection into every part of care,” Sinner said. “Chris and Lauren Pronger embody what it means to lead with heart. Showing up, taking time, and believing that play is essential to healing. There’s something powerful about an athlete using their platform to remind the world that kids deserve to be kids, especially in a hospital.”
To support Ranken Jordan’s work with medically complex children and their families, visit rankenjordanfoundation.org/donate.
To learn more about TinySuperheroes, visit tinysuperheroes.com.
