Village of Laffalot
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The Village of Laffalot: A Child-Friendly Artist's Creation
Detroit Lakes, Minn. artist Hans Gilsdorf has experienced firsthand the effects of prolonged hospitalization on both child and family.
His daughter, who had been born five weeks premature, needed heart surgery at age four. Hans came away from the experience with a dream: to create a space for children that would make potentially frightening hospitalizations a little easier and more child-friendly.
"I wanted to find a way to take my talents and make a difference for kids at a disadvantage," he says. "After we went through this, I asked myself what I could do to make it a more fun experience for the parents, children and siblings who have to deal with doctor appointments and hospitals."
His dream connected with MeritCare's and Laffalot became a reality. Hans has created a world of imagination and wonder, a bright and happy place that helps children tap into their imaginations and begin walking the road to recovery.
The Village of Laffalot is home to Alfunz and other characters. Learn about Alfunz's home in the Village of Laffalot, in The Life and Times of Alfunz.
