The following is a news release from Portneuf Medical Center.
POCATELLO — Portneuf Labor and Delivery was recently the recipient of a tender and generous donation.
Ten years ago the Sanford family founded the Forever Bear Foundation, a charitable organization that donates Build-A-Bear Workshop bears to be given to children who have lost a baby brother or sister at birth. They created the foundation in honor of their daughter, Elizabeth Camille, who was stillborn on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, 1996.
“This year marks the anniversary of what would have been Elizabeth’s 20th birthday and the 10th anniversary of our foundation,” writes Shannon Sanford. “Due to the generosity of our donors for our 10 year anniversary, we are able to donate bears to a few additional hospitals. We have chosen your hospital to make a donation.”
Brett and Shannon’s oldest son, Andrew, was almost four years-old when Elizabeth passed away. It was a difficult time for Andrew, but the comfort of a stuffed bear helped him through the grieving process.
With that in mind, the Sanfords decided to provide stuffed bears to their local hospital to be given to children whose baby brother or sister had passed away at birth, hoping the bear would be a source of comfort and peace.
“Thanks to the Forever Bear Foundation and the Sanford family for your beautiful gift,” said Anita Heaney, Director of Women and Children’s Services. “While it is never easy, our bereavement team will be able to use these bears at the moment they are most needed.”
Since 2006, the Forever Bear Foundation has donated more than 640 Build-A-Bear Workshop® bears to Hospitals, with additional donations made to friends and family who have lost a child.
Please visit www.foreverbearfoundation.com for more information.
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