Thanks to the generous support of The Toy Foundation, McLane Children’s is now home to a KittenScanner, a playful, mini imaging experience designed to help children feel calm, confident and prepared when they need an MRI or CT scan.
Turning anxiety into fun
For many children, the idea of an MRI or CT scan can be intimidating. The large machine, loud noises and need to stay still for long periods can feel overwhelming. The KittenScanner—named with a clever nod to the “CAT” scan—helps shift that experience from fear to familiarity by turning it into a story kids can understand.
Instead of focusing on the machine, children are invited into a world of friendly characters who guide them step-by-step through what’s going to happen.
A hands-on experience that builds confidence
During this interactive experience, children choose a character (Ollie the elephant often steals the spotlight) and watch as their new friend bravely goes through an imaging scan first. As the scan plays out, children see an “inside view” of the toy on the screen, similar to what doctors see, which helps them understand the process and feel involved.
By helping children relax and understand what’s happening, the KittenScanner can reduce anxiety and, in many cases, lessen the need for sedation during imaging exams.
“Play is one of the best ways children learn,” said Tina Ulanowski, Child Life manager at McLane Children’s. “The KittenScanner gives them the chance to explore and ask questions. By the time it’s their turn, many children feel more confident because they already know how the story goes.”
Made possible by generosity
None of this would be possible without The Toy Foundation, whose support goes far beyond toys. Their mission is about bringing comfort, joy and a sense of normalcy to children during some of their hardest moments.
By helping bring the KittenScanner to McLane Children’s, they’ve given young patients something powerful to carry into their appointments: confidence.
