ST.LOUIS, MO – September 30 – Catherine Cares is thrilled to launch a new service that will provide a Build-A-Bear, containing the baby’s heartbeat, to families that receive a life-threatening prenatal diagnosis.
The baby’s heartbeat will be recorded at a prenatal appointment and placed into a bear, providing comfort to grieving families and an outlet to talk about their experience in a healthy, kid-friendly, manner. To view more information on the Heartbeat Bears, please view this video. http://catherinecares.wpenginepowered.com/services/services-heartbeat-bears/
“For most families going through this journey there’s a lot of chaos, there’s a lot of fear, there’s a lot of anxiety. A teddy bear is something that’s soft, warm and not threatening. They can link this to their child. Not only is it something tangible, but it’s something that helps preserve the other memories they have. And I think that’s why (the bear) is so important.” Said Dr. Barbara Warner.
An important component of the Heartbeat Bears service is Bucks for Bears. Bucks for Bears is a philanthropy and leadership program within middle and elementary schools. To find out more or to join the Bucks for Bears program, contact Catherine Cares.
Heartbeat Bears will be provided by Catherine Cares to their hospital partners. Catherine Cares also accepts online donations. If you would like to donate to future bears or gift cards to be given to families at local hospitals after a devastating diagnosis please visit our website.
Catherine Cares was founded in 2014 by Wayne and Lauren Turley after their unborn child had received a diagnosis of Trisomy 18, a cell division that causes severe birth defects, just four months until their due date. Their daughter, Catherine Marie, was born three months later and lived only an hour, but it was long enough to make a difference in Wayne and Lauren as they had launched Catherine Cares 10 days before Catherine was born. Catherine Cares now provides food and fuel gift cards as well as Heartbeat Bears to families in similar situations. Being able to fill an immediate need for families and helping in the healing process is what it is all about for Wayne, Lauren and their three-year-old Madeline.
Together, we can make a difference for families embarking on what may be a difficult journey.