Ideas That Work: Surgery Is Less Scary With Worry Monsters

Pediatric patients who undergo procedures at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis are given Worry Monsters, adorable homemade stuffed animals that help them deal with the stress of surgery. Kids jot down their worries on a piece of paper, put it in the monster’s mouth and zip it shut. After the monsters have gobbled up their fears, staff members pull out the pieces of paper to find out what patients are afraid of and take steps to address those fears.

The monsters are the brainchild of Katie O’Hearn, the medical center’s child life specialist, and the result of hard work by volunteers Jocelyn LaBerge, Vicki Christensen and Hannah Lakin. “The three of us had been making homemade masks during the pandemic. As the need for masks waned, we asked if there were other projects we could work on,” says Ms. LaBerge. “We were intrigued by the Worry Monsters and researched them online. None of us found an actual pattern, so we created our own, came up with our first prototype and were off to the races.”

Each monster is made of soft fabric and filled with polyester stuffing, has eyes made of felt circles and a zipper mouth. The unique aspects of each monster’s look — hair, ears, horns, fins and other embellishments — are based largely on available supplies. “Sometimes the fabric points us in a certain direction,” says Ms. LaBerge. “Leftover shark fabric seemed to call for a monster with a fin on his head. Ladybug fabric led to the addition of antennae. Some ideas come from seemingly nowhere.”

The volunteer trio has made about 150 monsters so far, according to Ms. LaBerge. She’s had two eye procedures done this year and understands the stress of undergoing surgery. “The monsters are a little smile and a hug from Vicki, Hannah and me for patients who have a lot on their minds,” she says. “We’re happy to be a tiny part of the healing process and will continue to make them as long as they’re needed.” OSM