Press Release

Royal Neighbors Mapleton papers

A group of neighbors from Mapleton recently visited the ER of Burgess Health Center to present cuddly teddy bears to comfort children coming to the hospital for care.

Seven members of Royal Neighbors of America Chapter #2993 of Mapleton, Iowa donated 10 new teddy bears to Burgess for children who arrive at emergency or outpatients clinics at Burgess. Children who are hospitalized at Burgess also receive a bear.

“Most of us are parents, so we know how being in a strange setting can make children fearful,” says Kris Petersen, director of critical care at Burgess. “Placing a soft toy in the arms of a child lets the child and parent know we want to make them feel reassured. Kids just grab them. A bear gives kids something to hang onto when we draw blood or start an IV.”

The parents feel good too, Petersen adds.“We are grateful to the Mapleton ladies of Royal Neighbors for helping us each year offer special support to our young patients at Burgess.”