What happens when you combine a powerful idea with the creative tools of the IB design curriculum? For Grade 8 student Neo, the answer was turning personal experience into purpose. Together with his family, he created Medi Pals—teddy bears with 3D-printed medical tools—to help children feel braver during treatment. It’s a shining example of how the power of design and a commitment to service can come together to make a real-world impact.
The inspiration for this initiative comes from a personal place for Neo and his family, but the final piece to bring the budding idea to life was found in Neo’s design class.
The Power of Design
Neo first learned about 3D-printing in design class, one of the eight core subjects in the IB Middle Years Programme. At its core, design is about problem solving. Students learn the design cycle of research, planning, production and reflection to systematically breakdown and tackle problems.
These skills lend themselves naturally to service, which is a core value of all the IB programmes. “The power of design is to affect change for good,” says Ms. Hall, MYP Design Teacher.
This hands-on learning encouraged Neo to take the next step with his idea for a new initiative. In his words, “Seeing my designs printed in real life gave me the confidence to propose Medi Pals as a family project.”
Inspired by Family
The idea for Medi Pals was inspired by personal experience. When his older brother Ethan had to undergo treatments starting at age eight, the medical team used dolls to explain important procedures. Neo grew up knowing about that experience, which eventually sparked his question: what if teddy bears with 3D printed medical kits could help kids feel more prepared?
Now the entire family is involved. While Neo leads the creative process, designing and refining 3D models based on feedback, his father Tony manages production and printing while his mother Lisa sews the kits onto bears and coordinates the donations. Neo’s sister Ella supports the graphic assets for the business, while Ethan uses his insights from his experience to ensure the kits stay thoughtful and kid-friendly. Their collaborative effort has reached thousands of children undergoing care.
A National Reach
Since the family started in February 2025 they’ve delivered over 3,000 Medi Pals donations to more than 40 pediatric care organizations across Canada. That includes hospitals, Child Life teams and family support programs like Ronald McDonald House. More than 350 Medi Pals have been gifted to BC Children’s Hospital, helping kids feel braver through play every day.
And the project continues. With new orders coming in daily and two new kits in development, the family project will continue to have an impact. Check out their website to learn more about Medi Pals.
