ST. PETERSBURG, Flla. — A long hospital stay can be very isolating for many. And for a child, it can be even more lonely. Unless you find a best friend.

Two young patients at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital found friendship in the toughest of times.

What You Need To Know

 Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, located at 501 Sixth Ave S in St. Petersburg, helped facilitate a friendship between two young patients going through similar treatments

 Elijah is eight years old, and Greyson is five. Both kids have similiar spinal issues and scheduled their medical surgeries one week apart from eachout

 Dr. Ryan Fitzgerald at All Children’s is using a new technique of Halo Gravity Traction to help the boys in their medical journey

All Children’s Chief Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Ryan Fitzgerald said he is treating various kinds of spinal issues with a device geared for pediatric scoliosis called Halo Gravity Traction.

Elijah Fernandez is 8 years old, and Greyson Somaru is 5 years old, they are both Dr. Fitzgerald’s patients at John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. 

John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital tried to bring the young boys together through their similar medical journeys, with the gift of fun, and connection through video games.  

Elijah said it did not take long for the two of them to connect on a deeper level. 

“I met him on the second day he was here,” said Elijah. “We became best friends instantly.” Greyson agreed. “We like being with each other.”

Greyson’s mom said how much they like to spend time together before treatments.

“From the moment they wake up, they’re looking for each other,” said Kayla Clevenger. “Until the moment they go to sleep, they can’t wait ‘til the next day.”

Dr. Ryan Fitzgerald told us about the technology that was able to make the connection happen.

“These guys have taken this in stride together,” said Dr. Fitzgerald. “I think Halo Gravity Traction, when they first hear about it, when we first tell them about it, it can a very scary thing.”

It’s especially important for patients, especially young ones, to connect and find a friend during a length hospital stay. 

“This process is a long one,” said the doctor. “People typically are in the hospital for six to eight weeks.”

Elijah’s dad even called it finding a brotherly bond.

“It makes me feel like they’re brothers,” said Robert Fernandez. “They’ve really come close together.”

Clevenger said the friendship has also helped.

“To have a friend, who is going through the journey together helps him to feel not alone,” she said.

Playing video games and spending so much time together can lead to conversations. Greyson found out Elijah will be leaving the hospital first. Greyson also said they talked about what will happen when they both are looking out a different window.

“That we would be best friends,” he said. “And that we’re going to see each other again.”

Both boys are waiting for that high five moment as well. 

Greyson and Elijah scheduled their surgeries one week apart, and are looking forward to continuing their friendship and shared love for video games.