News

Stuffed cows and "The Cow Cocoon," a children's book, are being used as gifts to help alleviate anxiety in pediatric patients at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, IL. These books and stuffed animals were generously donated by authors of the book Rachel Nolan and Maria Price friends of Dr. Matthew Treaster, an Emergency Medicine Physician at SSM Health.

The author duo came together to create this book and toy for children in the midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Inspired by the words of Maria’s children. The two friends realized how important it is to have a safe space - especially during times of uncertainty.

“My kids had called a bale of hay a ‘cow cocoon.’ This is when we realized that we all needed a cocoon and that meant a place where you felt safe, happy and loved. The next thing we knew, we decided to write a book,” said Maria.

As the two friends embarked on their production journey, they realized that the need for children to have a safe space transcended the confines of COVID-19. “We realized that finding a cocoon was about the world all children face daily. From sickness to bullying and all the other pressures they face,” said Rachel.

Fuled by their desire to comfort children during difficult times-the two women set out to spread their message. Realizing their longtime friend and fan of the children's book Dr. Matthew Treaster worked in an Emergency Room. The authors made a decision to donate their books and stuffed cow toys to SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital’s Emergency Department.


“I grew up in Farmington, MO on a multigenerational family farm so cows had a special place in my heart as we grew up caring for them,” said Dr. Treaster as he explained why the book held a special place in his heart. “When I saw my nephew's response to the book and plush toy it made me think about giving them to children in the Emergency Room (ER) at Good Samaritan Hospital. The ER is scary for everyone, especially children, so a simple book or plush cow to build trust helps make it a better experience for everyone involved. Hopefully, making a frightening or painful visit a little bit better.”

One SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital family remarked, “The staff were all friendly and helpful. One nurse gave our daughter a stuffed cow with a cow book that matched. She thought that was pretty awesome! We thank the staff at the ER."

Building on their connection with SSM Health the two ladies took their comfort mission across state lines. Partnering with SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, the two hosted virtual and in-person readings at the hospital where they gifted “Truman the Cow” or as the kids called it – their “Lovie” to the young patients at the children’s hospital.  

At SSM Health, we believe in the healing power of presence. We know that exceptional health care is more than medicine. It is how we choose to care for our patients: by taking the time to listen, understand, answer questions, and hold hands. These are the moments when we reveal God’s healing presence in a powerful and enduring way.

###

About SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital – Mt. Vernon
SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital – Mt. Vernon, operating in partnership with the Felician Sisters, is a 134-bed hospital and has the most advanced robotic surgical system for minimally invasive surgery, a comprehensive neurosciences program, and a pediatric emergency and NICU telemedicine program operated in conjunction with the physicians at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital in St. Louis, Mo.

In 2016, SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital was named a “Best Hospital” by US News and World Report for the treatment of congestive heart failure. In recent years, Healthgrades has presented SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital with the Patient Safety Excellence Award, Outstanding Patient Experience Award, and the Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence.

For more information, visit us at ssmhealth.com or find us on Facebook

Picture info: SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital Emergency Department Staff displaying the donated cow books and stuffed animals.