2023 BENEFICIARY
Olivia’s Bears is a not-for-profit organization, created by Olivia Gonyea and her family in 2009. Olivia’s Bears was created to support children who are struggling with a medical condition. Olivia was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma, a form of bone cancer, in 2009 at the age of eight. As of October 1st, 2021, Olivia is 11 years cancer-free.
Thanks to the efforts of friends, family members, and the community, Olivia is able to give back to children and young adults who are struggling with their health. Due to the overwhelming support of the community, Olivia’s Bears has been able to provide a variety of items and necessities to Oishei Children’s Hospital and the children receiving care there. Some ways we have expanded our support is through donating storage units for the hospital rooms, toys for the playroom on the oncology floor, and offering an annual scholarship.
Olivia knows first-hand that she could not have made it through her struggles without the love and support of others. Her hope is that the gifted bears remind children in need of how many people love and care for them.
The gift of a build-a-bear is a sign of hope, a symbol of love and support.