INDIANAPOLIS — Pediatric patients in Franciscan Health emergency rooms and pediatric inpatient units in Crown Point, Indianapolis and Lafayette will now have stuffed animals to help make their hospital experience a little more comfortable, thanks to a donation by The Eva Martin Project.
Representatives from The Eva Martin Project donated more than 1,500 new stuffed animals to the nonprofit Catholic healthcare system recently during a drop-off at Franciscan Health Crown Point. Each item has a tag with the organization’s logo and a QR code with a personal message on the back.
The nonprofit organization — headquartered in Baroda, Mich. — provides the items to hospitals serving children as a way to honor the memory of Eva Martin, who died at the age of 3 after a swimming pool accident.
The Eva Martin Project was founded and is managed by Eva’s parents, Rick and Rebekah Martin, who coordinate fundraisers for the items twice a year.
Healthcare providers know how seemingly simple items like stuffed animals can bring a sense of normalcy for pediatric patients and their families during stressful medical procedures.
