The 27th Annual Teddy Bear Clinic is This Sunday

The 27th Annual Teddy Bear Clinic will be held this Sunday afternoon from noon to 3 p.m. at Blessing Hospital's main entrance. As the founder of this event 27 years ago, the staff at Blessing Riemann College of Nursing was kind enough to name one of two new gigantic Teddy Bears after me last year.  He is known as the "Dorsey Bear" and the other is known as "Flo" after Florence Nightingale. If you missed them last year, both bears will be there this Sunday.

As you can see in the picture, he is as tall and as big as me but doesn't quite talk as much as I do. The kids are going to love to see these two bears on Sunday. The Teddy Bear Clinic is free and open to children ages two to 10 who are asked to bring their favorite stuffed teddy bear, animal or doll to the clinic.

Plus 200 bike helmets (from toddler to kids XL size) will be given away courtesy of the Brain Trauma Awareness Organization/Think First , Safe Kids Coalition of Adams County with Kohl Care Grant, and Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing Student Nurse Organization.

The idea is to help children realize the importance of good health and overcome fears of their own health check-up by conducting a check-up on their favorite teddy bear, doll or stuffed toy. Nursing students will interact with each child and their stuffed bear as they use a stethoscope to listen to heart and lungs, apply a bandage to boo-boos and record their bear’s height and weight. Stations will also provide information on safety and poison prevention.

The Quincy Fire Department will have a fire truck available as will the Adams County Ambulance for the kids to see up close and the Air-Evac Helicopter will be available for viewing as well (if not in use).  Refreshments will be provided by Refreshment Services Pepsi and DOT Foods.

So bring your kids, their teddy bears and your camera Sunday and make a memory you will always cherish. I've cherished my daughter's first Teddy Bear Clinic visit for 27 years and I will forever. Last year my grand kids got to come to the event for the very first time and I will never forget the looks on their faces either.