Student creates IV 'superheroes' to help put young patients at ease

ROCKVILLE CENTRE, Long Island -- Hospitals can be scary, especially for kids. But one college student came up with a way to help put them at ease.

It all has to do with turning their IV bags into a source for superpowers.

"So when we put Super Sam into your IV, his superpowers come into you and make you all better," said Cathy Dunn of Staten Island University Hospital.

Sure sounds good to 6-year-old Erik Carmona, of Willowbrook, who just had his appendix removed at Northwell Health's Staten Island University Hospital.

"It hurts here, here, here, here.. And here," said Erik, pointing all over his belly.

But things can change when suddenly you got "super power status."

"This one looks like Superman," said Erik.

Actually it is Super SAM, one of ten IV "heroes" created by Molloy College junior Bobby Lenahan in Rockville Centre.

"And it is a simple paper sleeve that transforms the hospital room into an opportunity to get superpowers," said Lenahan.

Like shadow control to hide if you're Quick Shadow, or if you're Diamond Mask.

"impervious to anything, she can turn her skin into diamond, make the kids feel strong," Bobby said.

Especially if they're more seriously ill than Erik. He's the 9th pediatric patient to try IV Heroes at this hospital. The others all had cancer or blood disorders, but gave the product very high marks.

Now eventually the goal is to have some of the more famous IV Heroes come for a visit, like Disney Princesses or even Batman.

Widening the scope of his patent-pending product is something Bobby would love to do, maybe even include versions for adults as well.

They cost under a dollar each to make, about what he's charging, because for now it's about endorsements like the one from the sister of a 2-year-old patient.

"She runs straight to the back and asks for Super Sally because she wants to make her little sister feel safe," Lenahan said.

"You introduce these covers, and they seem to calm down," said Dunn.

Such a simple concept that seems priceless.