On June 19, SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital traded scrubs for capes during a powerful visit from TinySuperheroes, a national nonprofit that uplifts children facing illness or disability by recognizing them as the heroes they truly are.
In partnership with NHL Hall of Famer Chris Pronger and his wife Lauren, TinySuperheroes hosted an emotional and energetic activation event, transforming the hospital into a sanctuary of imagination and strength. Dressed as Superman and Superwoman, the Prongers helped activate 50 new young heroes, welcoming them into the nonprofit’s growing global squad.
“At SSM Health Cardinal Glennon, we believe that healing is about more than medicine — it’s about joy, hope, and connection,” said Sandy Koller, President of the SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foundation. “The Prongers and Tiny Superheroes bring all of that and more with every cape, every smile, and every visit. We’re grateful for their partnership and inspired by their commitment to making the hospital experience brighter for our patients and families.”
Each child received a personalized superhero cape and was honored for their strength in the face of medical challenges. For many, it marked a rare moment of celebration during a long and often isolating health journey.
“The Prongers embody what it means to lead with heart, showing up, taking time, and believing that play is essential to healing,” said Erika Sinner, Chief Empathy Officer at TinySuperheroes. “There’s something powerful about an athlete using their platform to remind the world that kids deserve to be kids, especially in a hospital. We’re honored to partner with Cardinal Glennon, a hospital leading with innovation and compassion, recognizing that play matters and going above and beyond to make moments like this possible for their patients.”
Founded to flip the narrative surrounding childhood illness, TinySuperheroes activates children into an empowering community where courage is celebrated. Each child is “activated” with a cape and starter patch, and invited to join the nonprofit’s monthly mission program — an initiative encouraging acts of kindness, strength, and connection among kids who may be too ill to attend school or join sports teams.
To help power their mission of activating 5 million children over the next five years, donors can sponsor a cape for a child on the TinySuperheroes waitlist for just $29.
The Prongers, who have long supported pediatric health efforts in the region, described the experience as both humbling and unforgettable.
“The magic at Cardinal Glennon today was something I’ll never forget. Watching these kids light up, laugh, and feel seen — even for a moment — was a gift. As a mom, it hit my heart in a big way. Every cape, every smile, every connection matters. I’m so grateful we got to be a part of something so beautiful,” Lauren Pronger said.
“In my career, I’ve played a lot of tough games, but nothing compares to the strength I saw in these kids today,” Chris Pronger said. “It was humbling and inspiring. Hospitals like Cardinal Glennon, and missions like TinySuperheroes, show that real healing is about more than medicine. It’s about hope and being reminded that you’re not alone.”
