Ella Casano’s middle school teachers assigned her a personal project. She chose to map out a broader vision for her invention. She wanted to get Medi Teddy IV Covers to more children. 

Ella made a business plan and a marketing video. Then she pitched the idea to her parents. They urged her to speak with a man in their town. He owns an ice cream shop and a nonprofit. 

He advised Ella to file for a patent and to use a manufacturer. Ella and her mom found one willing to make the covers. But they had to order at least 500 all at once.  

Ella started a fundraiser. Her goal was to raise $5,000. People liked the idea. Her fund raised more than $20,000! That quadrupled the number of Medi Teddys she could make. “Things have just kept going from there!” she says.

Some years later, Medi Teddy got an upgrade. Today, it is made of medical grade silicon. That makes it easy to clean. This Hope Edition is the main product Miss Casano offers now.

Now Miss Casano is in college. She is exploring healthcare careers at Stanford University. She takes medicine by mouth to boost her blood platelets. She also stays active on the women’s rowing team.

Miss Casano wants to keep offering Medi Teddys at no cost to children. It takes a lot of work to find funds. “We’re always finding new ways to overcome that challenge!” she says.

She hopes that one day Medi Teddy IV Covers will help every child in medical settings feel less stress. She encourages young people with this wisdom: “Don’t be afraid to pursue and act upon your ideas.”

 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted. — 2 Corinthians 1:3-4