PALO ALTO, Calif-- Scared. Sad. Angry. A child facing serious illness or medical treatment may have a difficult time discussing these very real emotions.
 
But a little stuffed white bear named Poly Polar Bear and his book, ‘My Life is Feelings,’ is bringing kids a non-threatening new way to open up about their medical experience. And with Poly’s help, kids may find that sharing emotions isn’t so tough after all.
 
“Both Poly and My Life is Feelings are creative ways for parents to talk to a child who is undergoing treatment,” said Barbara Sourkes, PhD, the John A. Kriewall and Elizabeth A. Haehl Director of Pediatric Palliative Care. “This book addresses many issues common to all children living with illness.” The child-friendly, 27-page picture book, in both English and Spanish, is designed to help children identify with Poly Polar Bear as he faces needles, x-rays, hospitalizations, and feeling different from his friends. “Understanding what Poly is going through can lead a child to share his or her feelings, too,” added Sourkes. The book was originally conceptualized and written by 10-year-old patient Karen Josephson and her psychologist, Dr. Sourkes, when Sourkes was on staff at Boston Children’s Hospital. “Karen often spoke through Poly, using him to express her own feelings,” said Dr. Sourkes. “Now Karen and Poly are inspiring other children to do the same.”
 
Poly Polar Bear’s official West Coast premiere would not be possible without the vision and funding of the Association of Auxiliaries that supports Packard Children’s Hospital. The hospital’s seven volunteer-run, non-profit auxiliaries hold events and activities that raise funds to support uncompensated care.
 
“The 1500 members of our auxiliaries, members from San Francis co to San Jose, are passionate about the children and families at Packard Children’s,” said Victoria Applegate, Vice President and Director of Auxiliaries Relations. Applegate noted that several of the auxiliaries generously contributed to make Poly and his book a reality. “We have a mission to help children who need an extra measure of care,” added Applegate, “and Poly fits this mission perfectly.” The auxiliaries’ impact can be seen throughout Packard Children’s. Other auxiliary projects have included contributions of equipment to the hospital’s new surgical suites, computer workstations for the Children’s Heart Center, and major funding for each summer’s organ transplant camp.
 
“The auxiliaries are truly amazing” said Sourkes, “and we’re thrilled that Poly Polar Bear now joins the incredible range of programs and services they support.”
 
For the media
Poly Polar Bear and My Life is Feelings will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 28, 10:30-11:00am, at Packard Children’s Hospital, 725 Welch Rd., Palo Alto, CA. Representatives from Packard Children’s and the hospital auxiliaries will be in attendance.
 
About Lucile Packard Children's Hospital
Ranked as one of the best pediatric hospitals in the nation by U.S.News & World Report and Child magazine, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford is a 264-bed hospital devoted to the care of children and expectant mothers. Providing pediatric and obstetric medical and surgical services and associated with the Stanford University School of Medicine, Packard Children's offers patients locally, regionally and nationally the full range of health care programs and services — from preventive and routine care to the diagnosis and treatment of serious illness and injury. For more information, visit www.lpch.org.