John McInerney Featured in MLive

Recently, Buildup Mobile, a non-profit founded by John McInerney (BFA ​‘16) was profiled in MLive. Through Buildup Mobile, McInerney brings custom carts brimming with Lego robot kits to CS Mott Children’s Hospital in an effort to help pediatric patients experience fun, interactive elements of STEAM education from their patient rooms during their hospital stays.

Right now, McInerney said he’s having the time of his life having a positive impact on the lives of children and young adults during a difficult time in their lives.

“I think the most rewarding thing is that my job is to make kids who are having a really hard time happy, and smile,” he said. ​“There are parents who will say, ​‘This is the first time I’ve heard my kid laugh in a week.’ That kind of hits me hard. The fact that I can bring joy to some of these kids is incredible.”

Mott’s ​‘Lego guy’ builds relationships with patients one robot at a time | MLive