Our Growing Impact
Total Gifts Delivered
600 Bears • 1,108 Kits
19 Medical Kit Designs
And growing every day!
Smiles Created
Countless moments of joy
Our Story
Medi Pals is a small family project inspired by our own hospital experience.
Back in 2012, our middle child, Ethan, was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome at age 8. During his hospital stays, the incredible Child Life team used dolls to explain things like IVs. It brought him comfort and made everything feel a little less scary, and that experience stuck with us.
In 2025, our youngest, Neo (age 12), came up with an idea: what if we made medical kits for teddy bears, so other kids could feel more prepared and less afraid too? He started designing miniature kits on his computer, and it quickly grew from there.
Now it's a full family effort, with Neo at the heart of it all. He leads the creative process, designing and continuously refining all 3D models based on real-world feedback. Tony (dad) brings those designs to life through 3D printing and manages production. Ella (older sister) contributes graphic art assets for the website and social media. Lisa (mom) sews the kits onto the bears, coordinates donations, and works directly with hospitals and clinics to make sure Medi Pals reach the kids who need them most. Ethan, now a young adult, continues to provide insight from his experience growing up with a chronic illness, ensuring the kits stay thoughtful and kid-friendly.
It's a family project with one simple goal: helping kids feel braver through play.
Ethan, age 8, with his medical doll during his hospital stay in 2012
Each Medi Pal kit is carefully designed using kid-friendly materials. While the accessories are not functional medical devices, they are created for supervised use to help children understand medical care through therapeutic, imaginative play.
Our Kits
Cochlear Implant & Transducer
Helps children understand hearing devices and feel comfortable with assistive technology.
Oxygen Monitor
Makes oxygen monitoring less scary through familiar teddy bear play.
PICC Line
Teaches about IV access lines in a gentle, non-threatening way.
Oxygen Cannula
Normalizes breathing support equipment through therapeutic play.
NG Tube
Builds comfort and understanding around NG tubes and feeding access.
Crutches
Builds confidence for mobility assistance.
Butterfly
Builds understanding and confidence around butterfly needle procedures.
Walker
Supports children adjusting to walkers and mobility aids through relatable play.
G-Tube
Features a G-tube feeding port with a removable extension for feeding simulations.
Trache
Features a trach site and neckband to help kids become familiar with tracheostomies.
Central Line
Simulates a central line with two ports for learning about medicine delivery and blood draws.
Port-A-Cath
Includes a velcro-access Port-A-Cath with tubing for realistic play.
Pump & Monitor
Represents a continuous glucose monitor and insulin pump.
Stoma
Features a stoma for normalizing ostomy and colostomy care.
ECG
Includes 3-lead ECG sensors to help explain cardiac monitoring.
Ultrasound Probe
Simulates an ultrasound probe to explore diagnostic imaging.
Tubeless Pump & Monitor
Features a wearable continuous glucose monitor and a tubeless insulin pump to help kids understand how wireless diabetes management works.
Coagulometer
Builds comfort with blood clotting tests using hands-on learning.
Nasometer
Supports kids in understanding voice and airflow assessments.
Get Involved
Whether you're a healthcare professional, a family in need, or someone who wants to support our mission, there's a way for you to help.