Pediatric patients at the ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah Emergency Department are finding comfort from an unlikely source, bears.
The bears – the cuddly stuffed animal kind – are being gifted to young patients in the hospital system’s Neenah-based emergency department as a way to provide a comforting distraction from the stress and anxiety often associated with pediatric emergency visits.
“We understand that emergency situations can create anxiety and worry, especially for a child,” said Danielle Fischenich, a registered nurse at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah. “For many years, we have been exploring innovative ways and resources to provide a better experience for our pediatric patients. Something as simple as a teddy bear can help ease a child’s anxiety throughout their medical care.”
Dubbed “Bedside Buddies”, the teddy bear gifts continue a gesture started a few years ago. That’s when youngster Ella Bast of Combined Locks donated her birthday gifts to the emergency department after seeing how gifting her little sister something as small as a sippy cup helped calm and provide comfort during an emergency department visit.
“Gifting toys to better comfort our pediatric patients can often be a benefit to their care,” Fischenich said. “The idea is to try to make a better experience for our younger patients and support a better association with health care in general. We hope something like the teddy bears can give children the opportunity to trust care teams for their health and well-being throughout their lifetime.”
That’s why the emergency department care team, in collaboration with the ThedaCare Family of Foundations, along with Ella’s continued efforts, felt it was important to dedicate funds to purchasing teddy bears to gift pediatric patients.
Supporting the Effort
The ThedaCare Foundation-Neenah, aided by team member donations, awarded grants
to help purchase the initial 200 teddy bears. In addition to Ella’s ongoing efforts, Neenah Foundation Board Members, John F. and Tim M. Bergstrom, have made personal donations to support the Bedside Buddy program.
“We are so grateful for ThedaCare team members who continuously demonstrate care, empathy and professionalism in treating special patients,” said Barbara Beuscher CFRE, ThedaCare Chief Philanthropy Officer and Senior Vice President. “We believe a small gesture such as the teddy bears is a wonderful way to support the ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah’s Emergency Department team and the exceptional care they provide.” If you would like to support more children and the “Bedside Buddy” program, please visit ThedaCare.org/Donate to donate to the Neenah Children’s Fund or email foundations@thedacare.org for more information.
