Giving children
CHOICE and COMFORT
Stuffy Strong is a heartfelt program created by a local 6-year-old that allows children receiving care in the Emergency Department at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center to choose their own stuffed animal from a special “Animal Menu” during difficult moments.
The “menu” refers to Stuffy Strong’s animal selection process, where children receive a restaurant-style list of 6 different animals and choose one to accompany them during they hospital stay.
They can choose from either a dog, cat, snake, unicorn, lizard, or lamb.
Why not be handed just any kind of stuffy? “Because they may not like it.”
It all began with a simple thought from a child who wanted to help other kids.
One day when he was sick he said, “If you were in the hospital, a snake would make me feel better.” And he said to Mommy, “I have an idea.” “What if we created a menu of stuffed animals so sick kids can pick what they want?”
That thought became the Stuffy Strong Animal Menu-giving kids a choice and comfort when they need it most.
From his perspective, he wants kids to be able to choose something, give them comfort and be happy. The idea of being able to choose versus just picking any random stuffy is what makes an even bigger impact. When a child goes into the hospital, so much is out of their control, and choosing gives them a sense of control, which can help reduce a child’s anxiety and stress in the hospital.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Four ways you can donate:
1) Point your cellphone camera at the QR code below and click the link to support Stuffy Strong’s Amazon Wishlist, where donors can choose from 6 different types of animals: a dog, cat, snake, unicorn, lizard, or lamb. These 6 animals are on the Animal Menu and give children a choice of what stuffy will make them feel better.
2) Click on the Animal Wishlist Tab and select an animal to purchase, which will then be automatically shipped.
3) Make a Venmo donation to @StephanieRichards39, where the money sent will be used to purchase a new stuffed animal off the Animal Wishlist.
4) Click on the Donate Tab to make a contribution, the money raised will be used to buy new stuffed animals to bring to the hospital.