Mr. Polar’s prescription for hope

After undergoing treatment for triple negative breast cancer, including a double mastectomy and months of therapy, Daphna Cooley experienced an unexpected health setback that led to a hospital stay at TriStar Summit Medical Center.

During this difficult chapter, she brought with her a small but meaningful companion: Mr. Polar, a stuffed polar bear who had become a lifeline between Daphna and her granddaughters in Florida.

For months, Mr. Polar had traveled back and forth between Tennessee and Florida, carrying photos and messages that helped Daphna’s granddaughters understand how their grandmother was doing. Over time, he became a symbol of comfort, connection and reassurance for the entire family.

During her hospital stay, the significance of Mr. Polar did not go unnoticed. Dragana, one of her respiratory therapists, recognized how much Mr. Polar meant and found a creative way to incorporate him into her care. To ease the worries of Daphna’s granddaughters, Dragana fitted Mr. Polar with his own tiny breathing mask so he could “participate” in treatments alongside Daphna. She later added a stethoscope and other accessories, ensuring each update sent home showed Mr. Polar receiving the same attentive care.

“I knew she was feeling down, so I wanted to do a little something to make her feel better,” said Dragana. “After his ‘breathing treatment,’ I brought a stethoscope and told Daphna he had graduated to doctor — maybe he could discharge her early.”

Daphna shared photos of Mr. Polar’s “treatments” with her granddaughters and family in Florida, offering reassurance and a sense of connection despite the distance. The simple gesture brought comfort not only to Daphna, but also to her loved ones watching and waiting from afar.

Today, Daphna is cancer-free and regaining her strength. Mr. Polar still travels between Tennessee and Florida, continuing the tradition that carried her family through one of the most vulnerable seasons of her life. For Daphna, the kindness shown during her hospital stay is a reminder that even small acts of compassion can leave a lasting impact on healing.