(Michigan City, IN) - Pediatric patients in Franciscan Health emergency rooms, pediatric inpatient units and outpatient surgery centers in Michigan City, Chesterton, LaPorte, Dyer and Munster will now have stuffed animals to help make their hospital experience a little more comfortable.
Representatives from The Eva Martin Project recently donated more than 1,400 new stuffed animals to the nonprofit Catholic healthcare system during a drop-off at Franciscan Health Michigan City.
Each item has a tag with the organization’s logo and a QR code with a personal message on the back.
The organization, headquartered in Southwest Michigan, provides the items to hospitals serving children to honor the memory of Eva Martin, who died at the age of 3 after a swimming pool accident.
The group was founded and is managed by Eva’s parents, Rick and Rebekah Martin, who coordinate fundraisers for the items twice a year.
“For a child, something as simple as getting their temperature checked can be a new, scary experience. To have a nurse come in with a stuffed animal that is friendly and brings a smile to their face can provide some comfort,” Mr. Martin said.
The children can take the stuffed animals home with them when they leave or if they have to be transferred to another medical facility. The recent donation was the fourth from The Eva Martin Project for Franciscan’s pediatric patients.
