Summer/Pre-Fall Mr. I

About five years ago, the Mr. I Children's Charity came to fruition, and we are so grateful that the work we do helps so many children across Chicagoland. We recently received a letter from Comer Children's Hospital that reinforces the need for Mr. I. For a parent with a sick child, a possible diagnosis or the results of treatment create unbelievable fear and anxiety, and seeing one's child go through the tests and procedures make a parent feel powerless. A scared or crying child compounds all of these feelings. Yet, we have been told over and over again that the Mr. I bear creates comfort where there is little to give, and the change in a child's fear, sadness, or insecurity is instant. There is some sort of reaction that occurs from snuggling Mr. I. Thankfully, GUND manufactures unbelievably soft teddy bears with kind, smiling faces that deliver smiles and peace of mind that at that moment, everything will be alright. 

Throughout the summer and early fall, we had the pleasure of meeting the Child Life Specialists at Comer, Lake Forest, and Evanston hospitals. These people always arrive with smiles on their faces and thank us profusely for our bear delivery. They say they love hugging the bears themselves and delivering them to patients, in their room and for parties. These specialists play such an important role, helping children acclimate to a hospital setting and easing their fears during scary tests. In particular, they mention that Mr. I is a great help, particularly when kids need MRIs. They can actually go into the machines with the patients, keeping them company throughout their entire procedure.

We are very grateful to Comer for reaching out to us. But, thanks is really not necessary. It is our pleasure! In order to continue with our donations to local children's hospitals, however, we need donations. If you know groups looking for organizations to donate to, or schools hoping to raise money for charitable organizations, or kids looking for mitzvah or confirmation projects, please send them our way! We supply bears through financial donations that help us purchase the bears through GUND. Additionally, if you would like to raise money and deliver the bears yourself, please get in touch and we can find ways in which you can do that as well. 

Thanks to all who help Mr. I. We cannot do our job without you!

Matthew Newman