Teddy Bears and Tender Care: The Grandmother Helping Kids Overcome Blood Test Anxiety

Moggill Collection Centre
Photo Credit: Supplied/Mater/J&A Photography

Valma Jacobsen, a 95-year-old grandmother from Pullenvale, is demonstrating how small acts of kindness can make a significant difference. To help children feel more at ease during blood tests, Valma has donated nearly 100 handmade teddy bears to Mater Pathology’s Moggill Collection Centre in 2024.



Each teddy, carefully knitted and adorned with a tiny heart, provides comfort to young patients as they face the often-intimidating experience of medical testing.

Valma has been crafting these bears for 13 years, producing over 2,000 during that time. Her dedication stems from the simple joy of helping others and the belief that a small gesture can alleviate fear. As a grandmother of six and great-grandmother of four, she finds deep satisfaction in knowing her bears provide reassurance to children when they need it most.

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A Heartfelt Gesture That Makes a Difference

Valma views her teddy bears as more than just toys—they are tools to help children feel cared for and supported during a challenging moment. For her, the knowledge that these small creations can bring comfort is motivation enough to continue her work.

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Her contributions have been warmly embraced by Mater Pathology’s Moggill Collection Centre, where the bears have become an integral part of the clinic’s child-friendly approach.

Located in the Moggill Village Shopping Centre, the clinic operates Monday to Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., offering services such as paediatric testing, routine pathology tests, and pre-employment screening. The centre places a strong emphasis on creating a welcoming environment for children, and Valma’s bears have become a key part of that effort.

Helping Children Feel Brave

At the clinic, phlebotomists like Shelley Liebenberg have observed the remarkable effect of the teddy bears on young patients. Children who initially feel overwhelmed by the sight of needles and the clinical setting often become calmer and more cooperative after receiving one of Valma’s bears. The simple gesture transforms what might have been a distressing experience into one that feels manageable and even reassuring.

The clinic staff work to personalise each child’s experience, addressing their emotional and developmental needs to ensure a positive encounter. They take special care to create an environment where children can feel brave and supported, using every interaction as an opportunity to show that healthcare doesn’t have to be intimidating.

Moggill Collection Centre teddy bears
Photo Credit: Supplied/Mater/J&A Photography

A Community-Driven Mission

Mater Pathology’s efforts to create child-friendly healthcare environments extend across its network of over 40 locations in southeast Queensland. The organisation prioritises accessibility and comfort for families, and initiatives like Valma’s teddy bear program help reinforce a sense of trust in the healthcare system. By fostering welcoming, supportive clinics, Mater Pathology ensures families can access quality care close to home.

The Moggill clinic exemplifies this approach, combining community contributions like Valma’s bears with specialised staff training to provide a compassionate experience for young patients. These efforts align with Mater Pathology’s broader mission to reimagine the healthcare journey for children.

A Lifelong Impact

Valma’s commitment to crafting teddy bears reflects her deep desire to help others. For her, the simple act of creating something that can bring comfort to a frightened child is worth every moment of effort. Her work serves as a powerful reminder of how small acts of kindness can transform moments of fear into moments of hope and reassurance.



Families interested in child-friendly healthcare options can learn more about Mater Pathology’s services by visiting their website or contacting their central line.

Published 9-Nov-2024