"I decided to become a volunteer with BCN because it helped with my grieving process; relating to other people, and knowing that everyone is going through it. It is hard for me to think how my life would not have been as rewarding if I did not volunteer with BCN. It really got me out of myself."

 Two years later, in 2008, she was approached with the idea of putting her sewing skills to use by making bereavement bears for family members who had recently lost a loved one. These hand-sewn bears are made with the clothes and fabric from the loved one who has passed away and help to provide comfort to those grieving.

Having now made over 600 bears, Shirley continues to create these comforting keepsakes for our patients’ families, each one unique and personalized to honor the memory of a loved one. In addition to donating the materials for the bears she makes, Shirley's dedication to this program and the families it serves is evident in the care and attention she puts into each bear. She takes the time to get to know the loved one through their clothes and hobbies to create a special, lasting memento.

"Making the bears is a way to give back to the families and support them in their grief journey. I could go buy a new purse, but I would rather buy poly-fil for the bears. My own experience caring for my husband and the support I received from BCN motivates me to continue making the bears and give back to others."

Shirley has heard countless stories of how the bears have brought comfort and solace to families during their time of mourning.

"One of my favorite memories is while being recognized as the National Hospice and Palliative Care Volunteer Award recipient, I was approached by a gentleman who brought the bereavement bear I had made using his wife's robe. He explained to me that his daughters requested a bear for him because he was unable to sleep since his wife's passing. He told me that after he received the bereavement bear, he was finally able to sleep again with it by his side."

The program continues to grow so much that other volunteers, such as Jean Smith in Lexington, are also making the bereavement bears to help keep up with the needs of our bereaved families.

"I know what it is like to lose a loved one, and to be able to provide others with something that brings comfort and lightens their load is a great feeling," said Jean.

Shirley hopes to encourage more volunteers to help continue this program and carry on this important work to support families through grief and loss.

Thanks to volunteers like Shirley and Jean – and donations from our Caring Community – the bereavement bear program has had a profound impact on those who receive them and serves as a reminder that Bluegrass Care Navigators is here to support families even after their loved ones have passed.

If you are interested in finding out how to volunteer with Bluegrass Care Navigators, please go to  www.bgcarenav.org/volunteer.