Tre' Bear Project - Sharing the Love of Christ

Having a child in the hospital can be tough on a family, but imagine having to be there during the holidays. My family and I have experienced this first hand. On December 22, 2002, our son Tre’ was born with Edward’s Syndrome and given only days to live. From that moment, our lives changed forever. We were in and out of the hospital at least 2 or 3 times a year. Our son passed away on March 30, 2007 after losing his battle with liver cancer. His determination and will to live is what has led us to give hope to others during Christmas by giving away teddy bears. 

In 2007 we started the TRE' Bear Project.  Our supporters donated 50 "Champ" bears from the Build-A-Bear Workshop to the children at Hemby Children's Hospital at Presbyterian in Charlotte, NC.  

This year was very special for us because we actually re-connected with one of the recipients of the bears.  Her name is Morgan.  She has an awesome testimony about how we touched her life and she now works at the Build-A-Bear store!  


Morgan's Story: 

I was 16 years old and had to spend my christmas break at the hospital. During my week there I had friends and family coming and supporting me, holding my hand every step of the way. I had been broken down, exhausted and all I wanted to do was to be home and with my family on christmas. It was on my 3rd day at the hospital that Demetria came in with this Champ Build-a-Bear, in memory of her lost son. The bear had patches over the body and a heartbeat in its chest that thumped when pressed on. It wasn't until I read the excerpt, within the tag of the bear, that I grasped the importance this bear brought. The blurb about the Champ bear explained that each patch on his body represented a struggle he had to overcome and that it is okay to show your hurting wether it be on the inside or outside. It was about 15 minutes after Demetria and her friend had left that tears started down my face, It was such a relief knowing that we will go through hard times but it makes us who we are. The next day I was being sent home, on Christmas Eve. I remember sitting in the back seat holding on to the bear as tight as possible, thanking God for giving me the strength to go home.

I wish I could say that was my last trip to the hospital but unfortunately it was not. I have had 3 hospital visits since then and every single time, Champ was by my side. Every hard day at school or every fight with a friend, I squeezed Champ and knew it was just another patch to add to my fur, so to speak. And to this day whenever I look at my Champ bear it reminds me never to give up no matter how stressful or painful a situation may be, and to be thankful for all the struggles I have been though because they make me the person I am today.

Demetria, It is so very hard for me to put into words how much your gift has meant to me. I hope my testimony has given you a slight idea. I am very thankful of what you have done. If you ever need any help please let me know I would be more then happy to give back to someone even a portion of what you have given me.


This truly shows us the power of the Love of Jesus and how sharing it with others can have a significant impact on someone's life.  


Check out the article: http://www.heraldonline.com/109/story/1803553.html


Demetria