"She Looks Just Like Me"

Patient Surprised with Special Gift

Bella, 11, has been a patient of the Spokane Shriners Hospital since she was only 9 days old. As a newborn, she was treated for clubfoot, a condition that causes a newborn’s foot or feet to be rotated inward. When she was 10, Bella began treatment at the Spokane Shriners Hospital for a condition called pectus carinatum, a genetic disorder of the chest wall that requires bracing.

When Bella last visited the Spokane Shriners Hospital for the fitting of her new chest brace, she looked through a brochure for a company that makes braces for dolls, but did not see her type of brace listed. When Hannah, a technician in the hospital's pediatric orthotic and prosthetic services department, learned about this, she knew exactly what to do! Hannah worked hard to design a custom matching doll brace for Bella.

At Bella’s next appointment, she was surprised with a brand new doll and matching brace. Bella was very excited about her new friend. “This is awesome,” said Bella. “She is just like me!”

Bella’s mother, Tami, told Hannah that Bella has been talking about saving her money for a new doll and that this is a very special gift. “This doesn’t feel like a hospital,” said Tami. “It feels like a home and each time we come, staff remember her.”

Thank you for going above and beyond for our patients, Hannah! We hope that you enjoy your new doll and brace, Bella!