Making Friends is Beary Easy

Build a bear

November 2022 | At Cook Children's, everything we do is for the child. Whether it's giving them the medicine they need or helping them smile on a tough day.

Those smiles are easily found at our Cook Children's Build-A-Bear Workshop®. In fact, Cook Children's was the first medical center in the country with a workshop and recently celebrated its 10th anniversary.

In the store, kids can choose a furry friend and personalize it with accessories, or if they can't leave their room, parents can use a tablet to bring the experience to them.

Our employees in Build-A-Bear strive to bring joy and comfort to our visiting patient families, and they often go above and beyond.

"If we have a baby in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit who isn't doing well, the staff will record the baby's heartbeat and put that in a bear for that family," said Chief of Hospital Services and Affiliate Ventures Nancy Cychol. "Sometimes, if there is a patient who is near the end of life, the staff will help record the child's voice with unforgettable messages for family members."

Visit Build-a-Bear Workshop