News & Stories

On May 30th, more than 100 enthusiastic kindergartners from KIPP Cooper Norcross Academy visited Cooper University Health Care for the beloved Teddy Goes to Cooper program. Designed to help children feel more comfortable with medical environments, the event invites young students to care for “sick” or “injured” stuffed bears—transforming the hospital into a place of comfort, curiosity, and healing.

At this year’s event, children were welcomed with their very own teddy bear in need of medical attention. With guidance from Cooper’s clinicians and care teams, students rotated through stations to diagnose and treat their bears using real medical tools and equipment. From bandaging paws to listening to tiny heartbeats, the hands-on experience helped demystify common medical procedures and taught important lessons about health, safety, and injury prevention. Students also enjoyed a special tour of a Cooper ambulance.

Supported by The Cooper Foundation, and presented in collaboration with Cooper’s Community Outreach and Emergency Medical Services teams, the program is offered free of charge thanks to the generosity of community donors.

By blending education with empathy and play, Teddy Goes to Cooper continues to ease children’s fears about visiting the doctor or hospital—leaving a lasting, positive impression on the youngest members of our community.