Campus News

Student Inside Cat Suit Engages Imaginations of KCH Families

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LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 30, 2015) — Veteran mascot Jahana Wazir has a few pointers for students interested in her former role as Stitches, the youngest member of the Wildcat mascot family who represents Kentucky's Children's Hospital.

First, no movement in the Stitches suit can be too exaggerated. Stitches is known for spontaneous dancing, funny gestures and big hugs. Next, Stitches should be willing to engage with families in a variety of situations, from holding a new baby to comforting a child in a hospital room. Finally, never underestimate the impact of Stitches — sometimes a hug or high-five from the big baby cat is enough to brighten a patient's day. 

Wazir, a food science senior from Charleston, W. Va., said suiting up as Stitches has given her rare opportunities to connect with children and create joyful moments in the midst of pain. As Stitches, she's had the pleasure of eliciting happy expression from an unresponsive child and easing tension by playing with families in the hospital. Putting on the cat suit has been a college highlight for Wazir, who has always enjoyed interacting with children.

While volunteering in the UK HealthCare Volunteer Office her sophomore year, Wazir came across a flyer calling for students to audition for the role of Stitches. Uncertain of what to expect, Wazir showed up for the audition at the Seaton Center.

"I thought, I've never done that before — not many people can say they've done it. I can say I've been a mascot at some point," Wazir said.

Candidates were asked to climb into the suit and act out different scenarios as Stitches. The next day, Wazir was awarded an apprenticeship for the mascot position, which carried the added bonus of a partial scholarship. The following year she was promoted to the lead Stitches role, which requires two hours of visiting with children every week as well as attendance at special events, such as family picnics, promotional events or seasonal celebrations.

Children and families never get to meet the individual inside the suit — the real person who brings Stitches to life. But Wazir thinks walking into a child's hospital room as a character, rather than a health care provider, gives her a unique advantage.

"When you are looking and interacting with kids it's really cool because they still have this wonderment in their eyes," Wazir said. "I don't think there's any other situation as an adult where you are staring into those kids' eyes and they still have that amazement and excitement. It's hard to understand until you do it."

Even adults appreciate the presence of Stitches in the hospital. During one visit, Wazir was about to take a break (as Stitches) when she came across a solemn family clustered together in the hospital hallway. She knew she couldn't get around the family without some display of character. So Stitches started teasing and dancing around, snatching their hats from their heads.

"All I could do was joke and play with them," Wazir said. "They seemed to be in a better mood when I left."

A man who appeared to be the father in the group followed Wazir and grabbed her by both arms. Even though he couldn't see who was inside, he seemed to be looking Wazir directly in the eyes. He told her thank you — she made such a difference for his family that day.

Kentucky Children's Hospital is looking for a new Stitches mascot and apprentice. Stitches tryouts will be held at the Seaton Center at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 2. The two students selected will receive partial scholarships.

MEDIA CONTACT: Elizabeth Adams, elizabethadams@uky.edu