Bringing comfort, one teddy bear at a time to Hennick Bridgepoint’s palliative care patients

The Teddy Bear Project began when Lorraine Chien donated 500 teddy bears. Each bear, designed and handmade by Lorraine, is thoughtfully paired with a patient upon admission. They are placed on the patient’s bed as part of their welcome kit with a note from the palliative care team. The attention to detail doesn’t stop there; the bears are often customized to reflect the personality of the patient.

“A teddy bear is a powerful emotional icon. It represents gentleness, compassion, loyalty, and devotion, offering endless patience and hugs,” shares Lorraine. “Children often receive a teddy bear as a companion who provides comfort. The Teddy Bear Project gives the same comfort during a patient’s care journey and beyond.”

Lorraine hopes the bears lend their little paws to bring a bit of sunshine into the day of the patients. “Both my parents spent their last days at Hennick Bridgepoint and both my children are physicians continuing their grandparents’ mission in life—helping patients. This project is my way of giving back to the hospital that cared for them so well,” she added.

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"Seeing the joy and comfort these teddy bears bring is incredibly moving,” shares Susanne Loay, the Patient Care Manager of the palliative care unit. “Families often tell us how much it means to have a keepsake that reminds them of their loved ones.”

The impact of these teddy bears is felt deeply by patients and their families. In some cases, the bears are cherished keepsakes, serving as a lasting memory of a loved one and some were even buried with the patient as a final companion. 
 

Elizabeth Faller, a caregiver, recalls, “When my aunt was admitted to Hennick Bridgepoint, she was in distress, having been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. A simple gesture, like a physiotherapist bringing her a toy cat when she couldn’t see her pet cats, brought her immense comfort—she held it every day until she passed.” Honouring her last wish, the toy cat was buried with her. “I will always remember the love and care she received on the palliative care unit.”

The success of this project is a testament to the dedication of the care team. “We’ve seen a remarkable difference with our teddy bear program,” says Rene Bernardo, a nurse at the palliative care unit. “It brings a smile to our patients' faces, helping to ease their transition and calming them as they arrive in our unit.”

As the Teddy Bear Project continues to grow, so does its impact. This initiative, set to be a multi-year effort, has become a symbol of the compassionate care that defines Sinai Health’s purpose—to provide care, create possibilities, and offer hope.

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