NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — What began as a personal coping mechanism for a Florida teenager battling a rare condition has blossomed into a nationwide initiative bringing solace to countless children facing their own medical challenges.

Aubrey Harris, 15, of New Port Richey, is the founder of Medical Minis. Through her organization,she sends customized stuffed animals to children across the country,each tailored to reflect the child’s specific diagnosis and medical equipment.

“Just having that stuffed animal that looked like me, it was really nice,” she said.

A Personal Battle Sparks a Mission

Harris’s journey began about four years ago when she was diagnosed wiht gastroparesis, a condition that affects the spontaneous movement of the muscles in the stomach, hindering proper digestion.

“It basically means my stomach was paralyzed and I wasn’t able to completely empty and digest the food I ate,” said Harris. The effects were debilitating.

“Every time I ate, I woudl get really sick. I would get really nauseous and would be in awful pain for hours after I ate,” she added. The struggle to tolerate food led to the necessity of a feeding tube.

During her hospital stays, a stuffed animal became a source of comfort. With the help of a specialist, Harris’s own plush toy received a miniature feeding tube, mirroring her own medical reality.

“It was a blue unicorn, and it had the yellow and purple feeding tube in its nose like I did. It just brought me so much comfort while I was in the hospital during that time,” she said.

From Treatment to Conversion

In 2024, Harris underwent a procedure to receive a gastric electric stimulator at a hospital in Orlando. Since then, she reports feeling substantially better.

Inspired by her personal experience,she channeled her energy into helping others. Medical Minis was born, and Harris began mailing customized stuffed animals to children facing similar medical journeys across the country.

“I hope that every child or teenage that receives a mini is going to be able to look at it and it’s just going to help them feel more normal and just let them know that something that’s keeping you alive is lovely,” she said.

The Power of Portrayal in Healing

Child psychologists emphasize the importance of normalcy and representation for children battling chronic illnesses. Seeing their medical devices and conditions reflected in a comforting toy can be profoundly therapeutic.

Dr. Sarah Thompson, a child psychologist at the University of Michigan’s C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital,explains that “for a child,a stuffed animal isn’t just a toy; it’s a friend,a confidant,and a source of security. When that toy reflects their own reality, it can help them process their experiences and feel less alone.”

Recent studies published in the *Journal of Pediatric Psychology* support this,showing that personalized medical play,including the use of adapted toys,can reduce anxiety and improve coping skills in hospitalized children. For example, a 2024 study showed children undergoing chemotherapy who were given dolls with simulated ports experienced reduced anxiety levels during treatment.

Countering the Skepticism

While the positive impact of Medical Minis is undeniable, some critics argue that focusing on illness can be detrimental to a child’s mental well-being. They suggest that it might reinforce feelings of being different or “sick.”.

However, Harris and child growth experts counter that the goal is not to dwell on the illness but to normalize it and empower children. By creating a tangible representation of their medical journey, Medical Minis helps children integrate their experiences into their identity in a positive and constructive way. It’s about saying, “This is part of me, and it’s okay.”

Continuing the Mission

Harris continues to operate Medical Minis, relying on donations and volunteers to create and distribute the personalized stuffed animals. The organization’s website, MedicalMinis.com, provides facts on how to request a mini or support the cause.

the impact of Medical Minis extends beyond the individual children who receive the toys. It also raises awareness about rare diseases and the challenges faced by chronically ill children and their families.

FAQ: Understanding Medical Minis and Gastroparesis