How Medical Play Helps Children Feel Empowered at MSK Kids

Sisters Teagin (left) and Ashlyn splatter paint to get comfortable with syringes.
Sisters Teagin (left) and Ashlyn splatter paint to get comfortable with syringes.
Child life therapist Monica Slodowski gives a hand to Kurt, a puppet that introduces children to what they can expect from treatment.
Child life therapist Monica Slodowski gives a hand to Kurt, a puppet that introduces children to what they can expect from treatment.
Teagin and Ashlyn practice accessing mediports in the dolls they decorated.
Teagin and Ashlyn practice accessing mediports in a doll they decorated.
Ashlyn prepares puppets Jeffrey and Kurt for their treatment at MSK Kids.
Ashlyn and Ms. Slodowski prepare puppets Jeffrey and Kurt for their treatment at MSK Kids.
The Recreation Center at MSK Kids houses a miniature MRI machine.
The Kids Clinic in the Recreation Center at MSK Kids houses a miniature MRI machine.
Rotating the same way as a radiation machine, this refurbished sewing machine is used to teach children about radiation treatment.
Rotating the same way as a radiation machine, this refurbished sewing machine is used to teach children about radiation treatment.