You’ll probably think I need brain surgery myself as this idea unfolds. But the aim isn’t to glorify or mock diseases and conditions. No, rather it’s to foster sympathy and caregiving in kids, who, after all, like to pretend to care for babies and animals. You could put bandaids on Polly Patients skinned knee, wrap her twisted ankle, or even be a surgeon and open her up and remove her intestines, or give her a new kidney or electronically beating heart. Really cool would be if there’s a way to make a doll that self-heals. Maybe her boo-boos magically disappear when the self-warming bandaid is left on overnight. Maybe she’s programmed to cough until she gets medicine, hugs and a good night’s sleep.