AKRON, Ohio — From the University of Akron Zips marching band, to NASCAR mascots Victory Lane and Safety Sam, to the star of the show, Speedy Bear himself, fun was on display as Akron Children’s Hospital welcomed the “Speedy Bear Brigade” earlier this month.
“Our purpose today is to accept a very generous delivery of 60 speedy bears for our patients,” Akron Children's Hospital CEO Chris Gessner said in an opening speech. “I think you can all appreciate the difference, especially during a difficult day, the difference a teddy bear can make for a child.”
The festivities helped kick off a national initiative designed to deliver cheer, positivity and comfort to young hospital patients who could use some happiness during what can be a very difficult time. Sponsored by the NASCAR Foundation and Kaulig Giving, the annual event has distributed more than 10,000 NASCAR-themed teddy bears named Speedy Bear over the past seven years.
The bears were delivered to children in 100 hospitals across the United States, Mexico and Canada during the month of September.
“Not only do we do it here at Akron's Children's Hospital, we do it at a lot of other places. We're going to do it in North Carolina next week,” explained Chris Rice, Kaulig Racing President.
But for 3News contributor Matt Kaulig, the mission, and location, are personal.
“When my daughter was born, she was here for nine days in the NICU and we've been here several times for several different reasons. So it's a really special place....so we're just really happy to be part of it,” he said.
“As you know, we have a lot of race fans here in northeast Ohio, but all across the country. And so if we can just bring a little NASCAR, a little fun, a little smile into the kiddos, that's what we want to do,” said Nichole Krieger, The NASCAR Foundation executive director.
3News cameras were there to follow along as some of those very special deliveries were made, bringing smiles to patients, families and staffers alike. And as Gessner explained, it’s those smiles that can make all the difference.
“It's one of many things we do to help the emotional health of patients and families. I think these bears help parents too, because they feel good when their kids feel good. And just a moment of peace and normalcy in their life, is great when they're here at the hospital.”
You can help join the Speedy Bear Brigade by making a $25 donation to The NASCAR Foundation to sponsor a Speedy Bear and send an inspirational message to a child in the hospital here. As an additional incentive, Kaulig Giving will match all contributions made at up to $25,000.