Dr. McNeely’s Teddy Bear Turnarounds
By Jamie Rivera
A Whack‑A‑Bear Game in Halifax
When Dr. Daniel McNeely, a neurosurgeon at IWK Health Centre in Halifax, asked, “Can I fix Little Baby the teddy?” the world of medicine got a little more adorable.
What’s the Deal?
- Jackson McKie, 8, was heading for a shunt repair.
- He’s got hydrocephalus—brain fluid in overdrive.
- He brought the beloved stuffed bear that’s been in the family since before he was born.
Doctor McNeely, who’s knew the boy since day one, instantly said, “Why not?” The plan: treat Little Baby like a patient, complete with an “oxygen mask” and a patch for a tear under its arm.
Twitter Hits and Hearts
On September 30, a photo of the procedure went live on Twitter—no code, no scary jargon, just a laughing doctor holding a teddy. The post amassed over 11,000 retweets and 26,000 likes in minutes.
What the Family Says
Jackson’s dad, Rick McKie, described waking up with his son smiling and Little Baby brimming with pride, “He had his bear right there beside him, like a guardian angel.”
More Than a Smile
When the buzz blew up, Dr. McNeely told local media, “If I could help my boy feel better, why not? It’s a simple, win‑in‑the‑ring gesture.” He cited the moment as a reminder that doctors can care beyond the scalpel.
Same Fuzzy Feelings, Two Recoveries
Both Jackson and his gummy bear are on the mend. The procedure succeeded, relieving pressure on Jackson’s brain, and restoring the bear to its full, plush glory.
That’s a story where humour, compassion, and a little bit of surgical ingenuity can turn a scared kid’s day into a heartfelt triumph. It’s not every day you see a neurosurgeon turning a teddy bear’s broken arm into a healed, heroic tale.
