Elowyn Jean Walthall inspired so many people in her short time on earth. She lived life with so much joy and courage. As we approach one year of life without Elowyn, we know many children are going through what Elowyn did. If it isn’t cancer, it’s something else - something that hurts, something that’s scary, something that has a kid pulled from home and spending time in a hospital. We want to do something for those kids, because right now, that’s how we can love and honor the memory of Elowyn - and we’re inviting you to join us.

We have an ambitious goal of raising enough funds to bring a Kitten Scanner to Mary Bridge Children's Hospital.

The Kitten Scanner is a miniature scanner used in a hospital waiting room or room to prepare children for an upcoming MRI or CT procedure in a playful way, thereby helping to reduce anxiety in the child.

Letting kids play with a miniature scanner allows them to discover how a scanner works. This positively distracts them from potential fears and helps them feel more in control of the situation. Children who feel more confident and in control are more at ease, which improves the chance of a successful procedure and may reduce the need for sedation.

Elowyn would have loved this play therapy tool. This is one way Elowyn can give a "hug" to every kid who comes to Mary Bridge Children's for a CT/MRI procedure for years to come. Elowyn always did give the very best hugs.

Learn more about Elowyn's story here: https://www.marybridge.org/blog/elowyn-effect-kitten-scanner/