(l-r) Rebekah Martin and Sister Benedicta stand by bags containing 1,500 stuffed animals donated to Franciscan Health by The Eva Martin Project, founded in memory of Rebekah’s daughter (Photo provided, Franciscan Health)
In Indiana, Franciscan Health says pediatric patients in its emergency rooms and inpatient units in Crown Point, Lafayette, and Indianapolis have some special items to help make their hospital experience a little more comfortable. In early February 2026, Franciscan Health says it received a donation from the Eva Martin Project of more than 1,500 new stuffed animals. Each one has a tag with the organization’s logo and a QR code with a personal message on the back. Franciscan Health says the nonprofit headquartered in Michigan provides the items to hospitals serving children as a way to honor the memory of Eva Martin, who died at the age of 3 after a swimming pool accident. It was founded and is managed by Eva’s parents, who coordinate fundraisers for the items twice a year.
“We can only hope that each child and family who receives a stuffed animal feels the love and comfort from the stuffed animal that Eva gave to us and to those who knew her,” said her father, Rick Martin, who serves as vice president of The Eva Martin Project. Healthcare providers know how seemingly simple items like stuffed animals can bring a sense of normalcy for pediatric patients and their families during stressful medical procedures.
Sister Benedicta Duna, OSF, mission services coordinator for Franciscan Health Crown Point, said she heard of one child who was especially excited to find a stuffed animal waiting for her after her outpatient surgery that resembled the cat she had at home.
“It feels like Christmas when they make a delivery,” Duna said of The Eva Project’s Martin family. “Their donation spreads a lot of joy and people are touched by their generosity. Even the staff gets excited to see them come in. The nurses especially know how much it means to the kids when they receive them.”
