Ohio Hospital Janitor Helps Two Boys In Isolation Sharing Interest In Lego Form A Friendship

Jan 12, 2020 by apost team

Janitors work a job that is rarely given the respect that it deserves. Those who work in custodial positions often provide endless services, take on the nastiest jobs, and have some of the biggest hearts! A hospital janitor recently proved this to be the case when he stepped up to help two little boys battling diseases form a friendship.

Ki-Jana Upshaw who likes to be called “KJ” works as a janitor at the Ohio Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. While his job description is supposed to only involve cleaning up and changing bed linens in the 82-room Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, KJ certainly does more than that.This big-hearted custodian makes it his mission to get to know each child that is staying in the rooms and he goes out of his way to provide them with some cheer in their lives.

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When Cohen Bramlee arrived at the hospital, the 7-year-old quickly made fast friends with KJ. KJ took note that Cohen was especially fond of LEGOs. Shortly after this discover, KJ noticed that Keagan Atkins, who stayed in a room next to Cohen, was also a fan of the popular toys.

KJ began to consider what good friends the two boys could be if they were able to meet each other. Sadly, hospital health regulations prevent patients from visiting with each other. This wasn’t about to stop KJ!

KJ started to tell the boys about each other, sharing stories about their LEGOs, delivering messages, and even used a window adjoining their rooms to show off their most recent creations with the other child.

The boys were thrilled and began to feel like their unique friendship helped them through their stay at the hospital. Cohen’s mom reports that KJ was a life-saver and that he brightened up her son’s day when he would arrive in the room with a new story about Keagan’s LEGO adventures.

Finally, the day came when Keagan could finally leave the hospital. Unwilling to let the two part without meeting, KJ set up a special get-together where Cohen could wear a mask to protect himself as he presented his friend with a LEGO set.

Even though Keagan is out of the hospital, the friendship isn’t about to end! The boys’ moms report that they are staying in contact with each other and that they are looking forward to play dates once Cohen is released.

We are so thankful for KJ’s hard work to provide cheer to these children and promote what could be a life-long friendship for these two boys!