Bear-y Special Thanks for an Incredible Team Effort
We want to give a giant bear hug in appreciation to everyone who helped bring the Teddy Bear Clinic to life at Carilion. Hosted by the incredible child life team, this event gave children in our community a chance to learn about medical experiences in a fun, hands-on, and non-threatening way through the eyes of their favorite stuffed friends.
Our Teddy Bear Clinic is a playful, educational experience where children bring their teddy bears (or other stuffed animals) to "visit the doctor." With support from certified child life specialists, kids take on the role of "nurse" or "doctor", guiding their stuffed friends through common medical encounters such as imaging, casting, surgery, immunization, and more. At each station, children learn what to expect in medical settings while building comfort, confidence, and emotional resilience. More than just play, Teddy Bear Clinics spark learning, nurture curiosity, and highlight the excellent pediatric care offered at Carilion Children’s.
This year’s clinic was a true community effort, and we are overflowing with gratitude for the groups who showed up in full force to support it:
- Children's Miracle Network and RE/MAX for being our event sponsors
- The Lion’s Club
- Bent Mountain Woman’s Club
- Carilion Volunteer Services
- Wali the Facility Dog
- Pet Pals Therapy Animals
- Dental Students
- Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine Volunteers
- Safe Kids
- Pediatric Transport Team
- Scott Yates who captured the images to share
- Sarah Reid and Carilion Marketing who helped promote the event & develop our handouts
- and Donna Deadrick!
…along with so many more who lent their time, talents, and energy to make this event a heartwarming success.
The impact of this clinic doesn’t stop at the event. The Child Life team has also been bringing Teddy Bear Clinics to local schools, offering smaller classroom-based versions that help build trust in healthcare, promote wellness, and spark curiosity about the human body and how it works. These interactive visits encourage important conversations about emotions, healthy lifestyles, and what it means to care for oneself and others. Supported by the Carilion Foundation, these outreach efforts are helping shape a generation of children who feel safe, seen, and supported in medical settings.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who helped make this meaningful day possible. Your compassion and commitment to our youngest community members are what make Carilion so special!
