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Philanthropy Friday: Molly Bears

jennifer · January 25, 2013 · 9 Comments

Each Friday, the another jennifer blog shares stories of those who incorporate philanthropy into their everyday lives – personally and professionally – in a creative and unique way. If you have a story you’d like to share, please contact Jennifer.
molly bear
The following article is a guest post from Bridget Crews, the founder of Molly Bears.
I along with my husband Chris and sister-in-law Amanda, started Molly Bears in August of 2010. We lost our sweet Molly girl on May 30th 2010.
Before Molly died from a tight true knot in her cord, infant loss was a part of an entirely different world. I had 3 children, and I’d given birth to a surrogate baby.
This doesn’t happen to me or to people I love. When I was told, “I’m so sorry, but there is no heartbeat,” my world, simply put, crumbled.
I now saw life for what it had always been, delicate and fragile.
I was drowning in my sorrow. I needed to do something. I needed to make myself feel better, less helpless.
On June 28th 2010, I created, with my husband, children and Amanda, what would forever be the very first “Molly Bear.” I was able to breathe while holding her. I was able to sleep with her on my chest. I knew in my heart that our Molly was gently pushing us. She had been here for a purpose. She wanted us to help others.
Two weeks after creating Molly Bear, I started asking other ladies from my I Village still birth support group if they would like me to make them one. I had a few willing hearts, and I went right to work. We are a military family on a fixed budget. The first month, I had created and sent out 5 bears. Thinking back, I probably gave my husband a small heart attack. He supported me and loved me. He saw that what I was doing was helping me. It was helping our children as well. We were all “doing something” with our grief. We were helping others.
Then came August 2010. I woke up that morning knowing I wanted more. I needed to give more. I called my sister-in-law Amanda, whining about needing this to be different. Within a few hours she called me back with a plan. That night we were buying supplies. To say we jumped in feet first would be an understatement. We started out with $1500 dollars of our own money. Within the week, we had our business license, website and family and friends donating money so we could create and sent out weighted bears. Molly Bears was officially “born.”
It’s now been 2 1/2 years and, although we have come a long way, there is still such a long way to go. We now have 15 bear makers that are located all over the United States. We have a Board of Directors with 6 members. We have created over 3,000 bears. We have bears in all 50 states and 18 countries.
We all live and breathe Molly Bears everyday. I feel so blessed to be surrounded by our beautiful team, full of hard working, loving individuals. We all have shown our children, that although truly sad and terrible things may happen in life, we can take those things and turn them into something beautiful. We can support one another and truly make a difference in peoples lives.

Bridget Crews is the Founder and President of a 501(c)3 non-profit called Molly Bears. Molly Bears makes weighted teddy bears for families who have experienced any form of infant loss, free of charge.

If you would like to support Molly Bears, you can make a donation on their website. They also love donations of specialty buttons, ribbon and bows. Those interested in volunteering to help make the bears are encouraged to email Molly Bears directly.

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Related

Parenting, Philanthropy, Philanthropy Friday Bridget Crews, infant loss, Molly Bears, Philanthropy Friday

Comments

  1. Alexa says

    January 25, 2013 at 11:40 am

    I love you, I love you, I love you!!! I just recently found out about Molly Bears when a friend of mine who lost both of her twins, did a big collection of bears and money for Molly Bears. I lost one of my twin daughters a year ago – she died two days after birth. I was able to order a Molly Bear this last time you opened for requests, and I can’t WAIT to have her in my arms! Thank you so much for starting this wonderful service.
    Thank you Jennifer for highlighting it!
    xoxoxox alexa

    Reply
    • anotherjennifer says

      January 25, 2013 at 11:43 am

      You were the one who made me aware of Molly Bears, Alexa! Thank you. Such a wonderful organization.

      Reply
      • Chris Carter says

        January 25, 2013 at 10:05 pm

        Alexa was the FIRST person I thought of when I was reading about this beautiful amazing Molly Bears! I was anxious to tell her about it and well….wouldya look at that! HA! \
        Powerful story. Passionate purpose.

        Reply
        • anotherjennifer says

          January 26, 2013 at 4:50 pm

          And such an amazing support for those who have lost an infant!

          Reply
  2. KG says

    January 25, 2013 at 12:36 pm

    Oh my! This is wonderful. I will make a donation and help spread the word anyway I can. I ask if you can do the same. I just opened an online store and would love to be as successful as you were.
    BTW, I’m hosting a cute Valentine’s day giveaway on my blog.Please visit and pass the word around.

    Reply
    • anotherjennifer says

      January 26, 2013 at 4:51 pm

      Thanks for stopping by and for the support.

      Reply
  3. Stephanie @ Diary of a Debutante says

    January 26, 2013 at 11:27 am

    What an amazing organization… Bridget, you are truly an inspiration. I’ve never given birth, and I can’t even pretend to imagine the pain and agony that must accompany such a tragedy, but your spirit of helping others who go through the same trauma is so touching. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to our community! I’ll be sure to promote you on my website.
    Stopping by from the SITS Sharefest, and I’m so glad I found this 🙂 Have a great weekend.
    xo,
    Steph
    Diary of a Debutante
    http://www.stephanieziajka.blogspot.com

    Reply
    • anotherjennifer says

      January 26, 2013 at 4:52 pm

      Well said, Step. Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. The long awaited "Kathryn" Molly Bear - No Holding Back - No Holding Back says:
    June 17, 2014 at 8:03 am

    […] friend Jennifer actually interviewed the founder of Molly Bears, Bridget, for a Philanthropy Friday  in January 2013. I had actually already requested my bear at that point in […]

    Reply

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