The heart pillows are therapeutic as well as cuddly. Pneumonia is a risk factor after open-heart surgery and the pillow is squeezed against the chest and incision. This encourages the child to express a cough, rather than withhold it, thus aiding in their recovery. The pillow also comes with a magic marker so family, friends, and hospital staff can write a note of encouragement on it. When the pillow goes home it serves as a reminder of what a warrior that child has been and the people that were there to support them.