News & Stories
Teddy Goes to Cooper is back in 2024!
Sick and injured stuffed bears help alleviate kids’ fears of going to the hospital and the doctor.
More than 100 eager kindergartners from the KIPP Cooper Norcross Academy embarked on a special journey on April 26th, stepping into the halls of Cooper University Health Care for the annual Teddy Goes to Cooper Program. At this special event, children take their teddy bears for ‘exams and treatments’ and they learn that the hospital or doctor’s office is a safe place to go for help and stay healthy.
This heartwarming initiative, supported by The Cooper Foundation, continues to play a vital role in transforming hospital visits into positive experiences for young minds and help alleviate young children’s fears of visiting the hospital or doctor and common medical procedures.
The program returns to the Cooper University Hospital campus this year after a hiatus of several years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program was held virtually for several years, and last year the program was held at the school.
Each child participating in the program was warmly greeted with a stuffed teddy bear in need of medical attention. Through interactive engagement, they rotated through stations, where Cooper clinicians and medical teams guided them through diagnosing and treating their bear’s ailments using real tools and equipment. This hands-on approach not only demystified medical procedures but also instilled valuable lessons about health, safety, and injury prevention. The students were also treated to an ambulance tour.
The event is free and a collaborative effort among Cooper University Hospital Community Outreach, Emergency Medical Services and The Cooper Foundation and its generous community of donors.
By blending education with comfort and play, Teddy Goes to Cooper continues to leave a lasting impact on the lives of children and families alike.