"Heart Hugs"
Teddy Bear Project



Adopt a Teddy Bear for only $5 and help comfort
a child undergoing heart surgery

Why do children need heart surgery?
One in 100 babies are born with some kind of heart defect, some of which require surgery to repair or treat the condition.  Babies as young as a day or two old sometimes require heart surgery.

Why Teddy Bears?
The hospital environment is very frightening to children, especially when they undergo surgery.  These children endure many invasive and painful procedures such as catheterizations, blood draws and IV sticks.  Our Teddy Bears can be a friend who stays with the child every step of the way who is always willing to give a soft, cuddly hug and provide a little comfort.

Who will get these bears?
Our goal is to provide Teddy Bears to children in Southern California who undergo heart surgery.  We are fortunate to live in an area where we have many large medical centers that provide heart surgery for children - some of which perform over 50 heart surgeries each month.  Many babies and children undergo complex and often life-saving heart surgeries every day so the need is very great.

What about the parents?
Amidst all of the fear and emotions of learning of their child's heart condition, parents need to learn medical terminology, wade through insurance requirements, and navigate the hospital setting -- all while trying to comfort their frightened child.  California Heart Connection supports families throughout this experience.  We are made up of parents from all over California who have children with heart defects and know what it's like to hand a child over for surgery.  The Teddy Bears will wear T-shirts with our contact information on them so that parents can contact us any time they need support or information.  These bears are not only a source of physical comfort for the child, but provide emotional comfort to the parents, reminding them that they are not alone.

What is California Heart Connection?
It is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization run solely by volunteers that supports children and adults with congenital heart defects throughout California.  It was founded by two "Heart Moms" who realized that there is nothing more valuable than talking with others who have gone through the experience of having their child undergo heart surgery.  Parents don't feel so alone once they connect with other parents and it gives them hope that others have made it through.  California Heart Connection helps families connect by sponsoring several events throughout the year, providing an online support group, offering matching of families, and listing important resources and tips from other parents to help families get the best care for their child. 

How can I help?
Please help us provide these Teddy Bears to children undergoing heart surgery by donating to our organization.  We've negotiated a very low price of only $5 for a soft, cuddly bear wearing a California Heart Connection T-shirt to be given to children's hospitals in Southern California.  Each $5 you donate can make a huge difference in the life of a child. 

Check or money order - please send your tax deductible donation to:
California Heart Connection
56 Cedarlake
Irvine, CA  92614

Credit Card donations -
Make an online donation now with your Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover card.  (Please note: because your donation is processed through Network for Good, that is the name that will appear on your credit card statement, not California Heart Connection.)

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us via email, or call us at 949-653-6421.

Thank you for your support!

Debbie Hilton Kamm and Karin Yospe
Founders, California Heart Connection

Tax ID #75-3096704

Copyright  2002-2011 California Heart Connection.  All rights reserved.
Supporting those with heart defects
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Printable Flyer

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