The LFF is proud to support the Shadow Buddies Program at The University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children's Hospital, a program that utilizes plush dolls to help specialists explain diagnostic procedures, surgeries and treatments to children while hospitalized. These teaching aids replicate the patient’s condition and help the child positively relate to the experience. They have been proven to play a critical role in relieving fears, reducing stress and distracting patients during painful procedures. This hospital is one of the country’s top facilities in nine pediatric specialties. All in-and out-patient undergoing a procedure receives a doll resembling the child.