MADISON, Wis. -- One woman is leaving her legacy behind at the children's hospital, as one of her favorite things is turning into the perfect prescription to help patients and families feel one step closer to home.

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It might not be the "cure" for what ails them but for these patients at American Family Children's Hospital, ice cream is considered special "medicine."

Frances Malloy, a nurse, started this "ice cream sharing" tradition. She died of cancer a few years ago, WISC-TV reported.

Tykem Mosby's family is recovering from injuries after a car accident and the 11-year-old Madison boy's mother is especially moved by this time together.

"Meal-time is family time and to have this dessert with loved ones means so much," said T'Shika Balentine as she wiped away tears.

"(It's) important to link what she did for people," said Dr. Robert Lemanske of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine. "She was really more than ice cream; she had an incredible heart for kids and incredible care for them."

Lemanske is continuing the "care" his wife, Malloy, shared. He writes prescriptions for ice cream or fruit but calls the new frozen treats cart her legacy.

"Obviously it has a special place in my heart," said Lemanske.

"Spreading joy to so many families," said Balentine. "It means so much."

The frozen treat cart will be out during family movie time at the hospital on Wednesday nights.

Lemanske said he'd like to expand it to the weekends and include visitors and there's enough money donated to his wife's memorial fund for continuing support of her "treats," WISC-TV reported.