Joy and Andres: Meet The Medical City Pediatric Patients' New Bestie

By The Medical City (TMC), Ortigas | August 18, 2023

TMC welcomed Joy and Andres, Kythe Foundation’s uniquely designed medical dolls that aim to provide ease and comfort to hospitalized children with cancer and other chronic illnesses.

In the realm of pediatric healthcare, where young patients' emotional and psychological well-being is as paramount as their physical health, the integration of medical dolls shines as a beacon of hope and compassionate care. These innovative companions, carefully designed to mirror various body parts of the kid, transcend mere toys to become invaluable tools in alleviating the anxieties and uncertainties that often accompany a pediatric patient. Seamlessly blending education with comfort, medical dolls empower children and their families, fostering understanding, emotional resilience, and a sense of control throughout the challenging journey.

On August 18, 2023, The Medical City welcomed Joy and Andres, Kythe Foundation’s uniquely tailored medical dolls, in an intimate event at the Cancer Center of the hospital. This activity brought together TMC and Kythe Foundation officials, pediatric patients, and their respective families. Dr. Angelita Sievert-Fernandez, Executive Director of Kythe Foundation, Dr. Joseph Vincent Eric Alba, Head of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Dr. Agnes Alarilla-Alba, Director of Institute of Pediatrics, and Dr. Beatrice Tiangco, Director of Augusto P. Sarmiento Cancer Institute graced the occasion, representing the collaborative efforts of both organizations.

The partnership between The Medical City and Kythe Foundation, established in 2022 for their child-life services, aims to enhance the quality of life for hospitalized children with chronic illnesses. Notably, The Medical City is the first tertiary hospital to receive these purposeful medical dolls, aiding Kythe Foundation’s vision to place them in more than 45 hospitals across the country by the end of this year.

“No child wants to be in the hospital, and no parent wants to bring their child to the hospital; that is why we wanted to have the concept of play inside the hospital, so our pediatric patients can feel comfort to be at ease and help them to have an uplifting outlook on their medical journey,” Fernandez said.

Dr. Alarilla-Alba and Dr. Tiangco gratefully accepted the medical dolls at the 8th Floor, Cancer Center and expressed their excitement as new hope and improvement await for The Medical City benefitting its pediatric patients.

“Magandang expression po ang mga dolls na ito…and we hope na maka tulong at maka-bawas ng stress at hirap. Tandaan lang po natin na pag lagpas po ng hirap, may ginhawa. (These dolls are a good form of expression and we hope that it can help and lessen the burden. Let us remember that behind every adversity comes solace.)” Tiangco said.

In the efforts to introduce Joy and Andres to The Medical City community, the said dolls will be exhibited at the Main Hospital Lobby from August 18-20, 2023, and will be housed at the Augusto P. Sarmiento Cancer Institute for the time being.

To know more about Joy and Andres, you may call Augusto P. Sarmiento Cancer Institute at (02) 8988-1000 local 6214.