YAB Member Reflection: Claira Warner (Northview '23)

I received a Billy Bear of my own during a 4-month hospital stay when I was 13. Within this time I experienced firsthand the importance of Billy Bear Hug’s mission, and can state with confidence that these bears matter. Small gestures like my Billy Bear kept me uplifted and optimistic through my months of isolation.

Hugging my bear or seeing my sedation doctor dressing him in a surgical haircap and mask to look like me were gateways to the vital human emotions of humor and joy in my life, and an ever-present connection that assured me people outside of the hospital were still there and recognized my struggles. The impact of seemingly-small gestures such as the giving of a bear has enlightened me on the significance of my own actions and constantly encourages me to take supportive action for others. This full-circle connection is why I work with Billy Bear Hug now. 

My two years as a member of the Youth Advisory Board have been very rewarding and meaningful. I know what it feels like to lay in a hospital bed being scared, and I know what it feels like when someone hands you a Billy Bear. A Billy Bear can give you comfort, and is always there, ready for a hug if you need one. To work with the organization that delivers these simple yet priceless gifts has been the honor of a lifetime.

Griffins Host Drive-Thru Teddy Bear Toss & Holiday Drive

Originally posted on WOOD TV on December 15, 2020

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The Grand Rapids Griffins didn’t let coronavirus put a stop to their annual holiday charity drive.

Teddy Bear Toss and Holiday Drive was scheduled to run from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Griff’s IceHouse at Belknap Park on Coldbrook Street. Because of the pandemic, it was a drive-thru event this year.

The event collected new stuffed animals for the Billy Bear Hug Foundation, which gives them to kids who are seriously ill. If you couldn’t make it to the Teddy Bear Toss, you could drop them off at J&H Family Stores on Tuesday.

As the event’s title suggests, donors normally toss their teddy bears onto the ice at Van Andel Arena. This year, they got to throw them at team mascot Griff. Over the past 20 years of the event, some 60,000 stuffed animals have been donated.

People could also give canned goods to the Feeding America West Michigan food pantry or money to the Salvation Army.

“With so many people in West Michigan facing hardships this year, it’s also important for us to come together and continue helping organizations like The Salvation Army and Feeding America that do so much good in our community,” Griffins spokesman Bob Kaser said.

The Comforts of Home in the Hospital

Originally published on March 18, 2015 by Maranda of WOTV4.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOTV) Bedtime rituals are important, especially when children are out of their environment – like in a hospital. Being in the hospital can disrupt family life, but Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital has a solution that brings some normalcy and promotes reading and a good night’s sleep.

The Tuck-in Cart is a cart loaded with books, fleece blankets, and stuffed animals. Volunteers bring the cart to children’s rooms, tuck them in, and read them a story. Barnes and Noble donated books for all ages and interests. Billy Bear Hug Foundation donated the stuffed animals and individuals and groups donated the blankets.

For the full story, click here.