Pandemic forces Connecticut teen to adapt invention to comfort sick kids

FAIRFIELD, Conn. (WTNH) — The pandemic forced a teen inventor to change her product that helps kids in the hospital and now it’s doing better than ever.

“I was in my room and I took a stuffed penguin and I cut it up and glued some mesh on,” Ella Casano said during an interview with NewsNatoin affiliate WTNH in 2019 .

She had created the Medi Teddy due to her own experience being treated for a chronic platelet disorder.

She invented an adorable way to hide an IV bag, which is intimidating to kids.

“During the pandemic, hospitals didn’t really want to take plush products,” Ella recently explained.

So, five years later, her invention has changed but is still thriving and making a difference.

This silicone version can be easily cleaned and used for many patients.

“This way, the patient just sees the Medi Teddy through the front instead of a bag of chemo, blood or medication,” Casano said, showing off the cute bear.

It can even sport a personal message, which then just wipes away.

“They’re in all fifty U.S. states, thirty countries,” Casano said. “We still get pictures and testimonials from parents, notes from them, saying how much their patient loves their Medi Teddy.”

Casano is currently on a fundraising mission so she can provide the Medi Teddys to families for free.

The project has taught this recent high school graduate so much as she prepares for freshman year at Stanford University.

“It’s just been cool for me to see how the shipping works, how the orders come in, getting our patents, trademarks, copy rights, things like that,” she said.

Despite all the upcoming changes, Casano plans to continue to grow her venture: making a scary time for small patients just a little bit easier.

“I’m just happy to be able to continue to send Medi Teddys to patients who are going through so much and I do hope they provide them with comfort and a smile, things like that,” she said.

Casano wants to become a doctor but is interested in the entrepreneurial side of healthcare, as well.

Click here to learn more about the Medi Teddy.

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