Roberto the Doll Eases Cancer Treatment Fears for Bolivian Children

In eastern Bolivia, a simple cloth doll named Roberto is providing comfort and clarity to children battling cancer. Characterized by a miniature hospital gown, a few strands of hair, and a small backpack containing medical tools, Roberto serves as a companion designed to demystify the often-frightening process of cancer treatment.

The initiative was spearheaded by Giordana Carreño, a pediatric psycho-oncologist, who observed the profound bond a young patient formed with a doll in the hospital's psychology area. This connection inspired the creation of Roberto. The doll was subsequently developed with the help of the charity Gotita Roja, which works with mothers of children with cancer. Roberto was intentionally designed with features mirroring a child undergoing treatment, including a lack of hair and specific medical accessories like a catheter and IV line.

"We gave him some characteristics to make him more like a child undergoing cancer treatment, to also work on adherence to treatment with the patients," Carreño explained. Roberto comes with a guide that uses simple language to explain important medical information. Verónica Medina, president of Gotita Roja, highlighted that the doll has small zippers in strategic places, allowing children to understand the entire treatment process and its implications.

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We gave him some characteristics to make him more like a child undergoing cancer treatment, to also work on adherence to treatment with the patients.

According to Massiel Delgadillo, head of the Pediatrics Department at the Bolivian Institute of Oncology (IOOB), Roberto helps children comprehend procedures such as bone marrow aspirations, lumbar punctures, or the insertion of chemotherapy lines. "We anticipate events with the child, and in this way, the child understands what is going to happen, their stress level decreases, fear diminishes, and there is greater acceptance of the treatment," Delgadillo stated.

The impact of Roberto has been significant. Delgadillo noted a marked improvement in how children cope with their treatments, experiencing less stress and forming a stronger attachment to the process. Families also benefit, as the doll simplifies complex medical information, making it more accessible and understandable. This approach has led to a "before and after" in how children manage their therapy, fostering greater acceptance and reducing anxiety.

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We anticipate events with the child, and in this way, the child understands what is going to happen, their stress level decreases, fear diminishes, and there is greater acceptance of the treatment.