Childhood is ideally supposed to be a carefree time of innocence, happiness, and growth within a normal, loving environment.
Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case.
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A large portion of children across the globe are forced to endure circumstances that are out of their control, shaping years that are supposed to be carefree into an acceleration into adulthood.
Many children grow up in hospitals.
It is important for patients with life-threatening diseases and disabilities to access the care that they need, but for most children, the environment of a hospital can be downright terrifying.
Surgeries, medical equipment, medication, and others fighting their own battles can all make children staying in hospitals uncomfortable, which can have an impact on their treatment and recovery.
One girl knows exactly what these kids are going through, and has decided to help in any way that she can.
Ella has a rare disease called idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura , or ITP, which destroys platelets in her blood.
There is no known cure for ITP, but the condition can be managed through ongoing treatment.
Part of that treatment includes frequent use of an IV, which can be scary for a lot of children.
Ella invented a product to make using an IV less intimidating.
It’s called the Medi Teddy —a stuffed bear that fits snugly around IV equipment.
“When I had my first infusion, I was surprised and a little bit intimidated by the look of the amount of tubing and medical equipment on my IV pole,” she explains. “As I saw more and more children experiencing the same feelings, I became more interested in creating a friendlier experience for young IV patients, so I created Medi Teddy.
“I hope that Medi Teddy helps you just as much as it helps me.”
The product website explains that Medi Teddy doesn’t negatively interfere the way an IV works.
“The back of the pouch is mesh, allowing for a doctor or nurse to see through and check on the fluid or medication a child is receiving.”
“From the front, the child sees a friendly face and not the bag of medication, blood product or IV fluid being infused.”
Ella’s family is in the process of applying Medi Teddy to get IRS approval to become a 501(c)3, which would allow the product to legally be used in hospitals.
The twelve-year-old has already made prototypes for the bear, but she will need at least 500 orders before the first batch of bears can be produced.
Her family has set up a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for the initiative.
“Ella has to have IVs every 8 weeks and designed Medi Teddy (a stuffed animal pouch) to conceal bags of IV medication or blood products from pediatric patients like her who might be feeling scared in the hospital,” the page reads.
Ella plans to give all of the bears away to children going through treatment in hospitals.
“Help Ella get started with her first order,” the GoFundMe page continues, “So she can donate 500 Medi Teddys to children just like her.”
You can donate to Ella’s GoFundMe here or purchase your own Medi Teddy on their official website .
h/t: ABC7NY
