New Port Richey Teen Creates 'Medical Minis' to Comfort Hospitalized Children

The Inspiration Behind Medical Minis

• 💡 Aubrey Harris, a New Port Richey teen, created "Medical Minis" to help children facing medical conditions.
• 🎯 Her personal experience with gastroparesis at age 11, a condition causing stomach paralysis, inspired her initiative.

Customizing Stuffed Animals for Comfort

• 🧸 Aubrey customizes stuffed animals to reflect a child's specific medical condition or diagnosis.
• ✨ The goal is to help children feel more normal and understand that their medical devices or conditions can be beautiful.
• 🏥 A key moment was when her own stuffed animal was fitted with a feeding tube, mirroring her own medical needs, which brought her significant comfort.

Overcoming Health Challenges

• 🏥 In 2024, Aubrey received a gastric electric stimulator, improving her ability to digest food after years of difficulty.
• ✅ She is now doing better and hopes her "Medical Minis" provide similar comfort and understanding to other children battling illnesses.

Reaching Children Nationwide

• 💖 The "Medical Minis" are designed to comfort children facing diseases or illnesses and help them learn about their diagnosis.
• ✈️ One "mini" was made for a young boy who had undergone multiple surgeries, including open heart surgery.
• 💻 Children can request a "Medical Mini" through Aubrey's website, medicalminis.com, and she ships them across the country.