Samaritan Foundation Receives Donation of Medi Teddy® IV Bag Covers

Published on: August 31, 2021

The Samaritan Medical Center Foundation recently received a donation of 100 Medi Teddy® IV bag covers from Sue Washburn, formerly from Watertown, NY. Sue held a fundraiser for her birthday and purchased the bears with the funds raised. The Medi Teddys were donated for use in child-centered areas of the hospital, including the Emergency Department, Pediatrics Unit and Surgical Services. This is the second year that Sue has provided needed items to the hospital.

The bears donated aren’t just your “average bear” — they are extra special. They are Medi Teddys that were created by a young girl named Ella Casano, from Connecticut.

Ella was only 7 when she was diagnosed with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura (ITP). During her many hours in the hospital receiving countless scary infusion treatments, she invented Medi Teddy, a fun bear that could help ease the fears of other young patients like her.

Medi Teddy® hides the bag of IV fluid, medication, or blood hanging from the IV pole, which can be scary for the child who is receiving it, and instead provides a fun and friendly face for the child to look at.

Meg Casano, BSN, MA, of I.V. Comfort Solutions, the makers of Medi Teddy®, is the daughter of Jim and Signe McGowan from Henderson Harbor. Meg is also Ella’s mom. She explains that the cleverly designed teddy bear covers the IV bag while still making it possible for medical staff to see the medication or blood products inside, because there is a mesh back.

“Our patients and community have benefited from the giving spirit of these two North Country-connected women, and we hope that will inspire others,” said Elizabeth Fipps, Vice President of Foundation and Community Services at Samaritan.

Learn more about the Medi Teddy® at medi-teddy.org.