Intermountain Press Release

American Fork, Utah—There is something about a teddy bear that draws children of all ages to them. Even adults can't seem to resist their soft, furry charm. Thanks to generous efforts from Brett and Shannon Sanford of Pleasant Grove and Build-A-Bear Workshop, many children will receive the comfort of a furry friend during a time of grief.

The Sanfords are reaching out to children who have lost a baby brother or sister at birth. They realize first-hand the heartache that is felt by losing a child and know the sadness and confusion that siblings of the lost baby can feel during that time.

Their story began 10 years ago when they lost their baby girl, Elizabeth Camille, at birth due to complications during delivery. The loss of their baby was sudden and unexpected. The Sandfords' oldest son, Andrew, who had been looking forward to the birth of his new baby sister, struggled with the news.

"We will never forget sharing with him our sad news that Elizabeth had died, nor will we forget the many questions and tears that followed. It was a challenge for Andrew to deal with his loss while we were working through our own grief," said Shannon.

It was the comfort of a stuffed bear that helped Andrew work through his grief and find some peace and enjoyment during that difficult time. With this in mind, the Sanfords planned to honor the memory of their daughter by providing stuffed bears to children who are dealing with a similar loss. They contacted Build-A-Bear Workshop's corporate office, and the company graciously consented to provide stuffed bears for the project at a significant discount. Build-A-Bear Workshop also printed specially designed "Forever Bear" t-shirts for the stuffed bears, which were designed by one of the Sanfords' neighbors.

Family and friends who learned about the project provided generous support, enabling the Sanfords to purchase 75 stuffed bears.

In remembrance of what would have been Elizabeth's 10th birthday on November 28, the Sanfords will present American Fork Hospital with the 75 stuffed teddy bears. The hospital had 14 infants who died at birth or were stillborn last year, and the Sanfords' project provides multiple bears for the children of each impacted family. "It is our desire that a sibling dealing with the loss of a brother or sister will find some peace and comfort with a 'Forever Bear,'" said Shannon.

To the Sanfords, this project is one that they would like to continue on a yearly basis, replenishing the bears every November on Elizabeth's birthday.