From a Parent:
In early 2024, their child was admitted to the pediatric unit at Corewell Health Lakeland with an illness. Their child hadn't been feeling themselves for a while and when the nursing staff brought a stuffed husky to their child. It was the first smile they had seen in a while and it help to make them feel like life was normal again even if just for a little bit.
From a Nurse:
On 12/17/2024 the St. Joseph Emergency Department had a 6-year-old little boy came into to the emergency room in the middle of the night accompanied by his grandma. He was in obvious distress and needed to get blood work done and to start an IV. Upsetting to any child, but particularly so to this little one as he was feeling awful. Luckily for us we have items that can bring a little joy to these difficult times. The nurse was able to walk to the nurse's station and pick out the perfect stuffie for this patient. They decided on the fox from Dr. Seuss; the fox in socks. The patient immediately snuggled up to him and lovingly began referring to him as the fox on the shelf. With the help of the stuffie provided generously by the Eva Martin Project we were able to get labs done, imaging and administer much needed medication. When the patient was later admitted he was able to take his new friend with him. It was clear how something so simple as a stuffie could be such a meaningful source of comfort to our young patients.
From a Parent:
On Christmas day their youngest child was admitted to the hospital at Corewell Health Lakeland. Having to spend Christmas away from siblings and stuck in a hospital room because of an illness is no fun as he realized he wouldn't be able to open gifts with them, he was very upset. His mom face timed the others as they opened their presents, and she said that receiving an 'Eva Stuffy' was the only thing that cheered him up. He then noticed it was from The Eva Martin Project and was even more excited to know that him and his family know Eva's brother and parents. He was so thankful and this made his untimely visit to the E.D. and he also couldn't wait to get home to show his siblings his new stuffies.