First responders in Pinellas County, FL, took the time to put make dozens of children smile when they visited the All Children’s Hospital.
They handed out more than 100 teddy bears to sick children in partnership with The Caden Project, much like the time a young girl collected toys for kids in another hospital.
“It’s extra-special because the kids love getting bears already, but to get one from a firefighter is like icing on the cake for them,” Christina Wood, president of the Caden Project, told Florida’s WFLA.
The Caden Project, started in 2013, gives Build-A-Bears to ill and hurt kids. Christina and her husband Richard started the program after their son, Caden, received a bone marrow transplant at 15 months and spent a month in the hospital.
“Caden was given a bear while in the hospital, which he clung to for comfort during his sickest moments. The idea was then born to provide bears to as many children in the hospital that we could,” the website explains.
Watching the 3-year-old below light up when he receives the Build-A-Bear proves that the bears are certainly a pick-me-up.
“It definitely softens the moment and softens the mood for the kids and provides some excitement for them,” said Ernie Dubose, the boy’s father. “Probably a little distraction from what’s going on with their health.”
Watch below and please SHARE if you're glad that programs like this exist!
