ThedaCare initiative offers comfort to young patients

February 24, 2025

NEENAH – ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah Emergency Department is now giving young patients teddy bears in an effort to provide a comforting distraction from the stress and anxiety often associated with pediatric emergency visits.

“We understand that emergencies can create anxiety and worry, especially for a child,” Danielle Fischenich, a registered nurse at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah, said. “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 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 her comfort during an emergency visit.

Fischenich said that’s why the emergency department care team, in collaboration with the ThedaCare Family of Foundations, along with Bast’s continued efforts, felt it was important to dedicate funds to purchasing teddy bears to gift pediatric patients.

The ThedaCare Foundation-Neenah, aided by team member donations, awarded grants to help purchase the initial 200 teddy bears.