11/07/2012
For those that do not know, my mother lost her short battle with renal cancer in September 2005. My brother and I both promised her that we would keep her memory alive by doing acts of charity on her behalf.
This past September, on the seventh anniversary of her passing, I decided I was going to pay it forward. I remembered, during her frequent hospitalizations, she would always bring the same plush pillow stuffed animal that became a sign of comfort and hope to her. I realized many other cancer patients are in need as well and went to the gift shop at Moffitt Cancer Care Center and purchased several Teddy Bears and donated them to patients in need. I went to each floor and dropped off a few bears at the nurse’s station. The nurse’s initial reaction was of shock but immediately they became very thankful and appreciative that one would go out of their way to help put a smile on someone’s face and heart that desperately needed it.
After leaving, I was not satisfied that only a few patients would receive the bears. I wanted to bring more hope, joy, and smiles to people fighting this horrible disease. I decided then and there that I had to start a non-profit organization and devote my time, energy, and resources to this cause.
Operation Teddy Bears, Inc was born.
Please help and support getting this cause off the ground. Please spread the word! I am in the beginning stages of creating a website and blog but in the meantime, I have a fan page on Facebook. Please click on thel like link and "like" my page for news, updates, and anything associated with my cause.
I have also teamed up with BlackBook Branding and we will be hosting our first fundraiser sometime in December. We will update you once we determine the place and time.
Thank you for your support and helping me put a smile on someone's face and heart!
Toni
Operation Teddy Bears Inc's mission is to provide one cancer care patient at a time with a smile. We donate stuffed animals to area cancer care centers to brighten up the lives of the patients.
