Cure JM Foundation: Family Support Network

Bear Hugs Program

4-year-old Julia Weers, who suffers from JDM, developed our Bear Hugs Program along with her mom, Jen. Julia’s creativity was spawned when she insisted that JDM kids needed a teddy bear to hug when they’re in the hospital or not feeling well.

Thanks to Julia, Jen and a special friend of Cure JM [or should I say of Julia’s], our Bear Hugs Program sends cuddly teddy bears to newly diagnosed JM children and JM children who are experiencing a difficult time with their treatment.

Kelly Gucciardo wrote of her daughter Kay’s bear, “We just want to say thank you to Cure JM and those involved with the Teddy Bear giving. Kay received a Teddy Bear from the Cure JM family yesterday during her 7 hour IV which makes her very sick. She never was so happy during an IV and after. …Kay was very thankful for her new friend she named Cinnamon Sugar. (Everything she names is after a food. Maybe its the steroids!) Anyway, Kay is playing with Cinnamon Sugar at this moment. It is hooked up to her IV pole and is taped to a pretend port and Kay is the Doc. making her better. So CUTE!”

To request a bear for a JM child, please send an e-mail with details to: .

To donate bears to the Bear Hugs Program, please send an e-mail with your contact information to: .

If you would like to make a monetary donation toward the Bear Hugs Program, please go to the donation icon below and earmark your donation for the Bear Hugs Program.

Thank you Jen and Julia for your hard work and compassion for our kids!

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Bear Hugs Program