Teddy Bear Clinics in Virginia and Washington, D.C.

Our Bear Givers team jumped at the opportunity to donate teddy bears to two different teddy bear clinics at Friendship Woodridge International Elementary & Middle School in Washington, D.C., and Groveton Elementary School in Alexandria, VA, facilitated by an amazing volunteer, Keandra Forte. Keandra has been a pediatric gastrointestinal and transplant nurse for 5 years and has been competing in pageants since 2014. She’s currently competing for the title of Miss D.C. USA and her platform promotes healthcare advocacy.

Although healthcare services are readily available in D.C., children and their parents don't always utilize it and are scared of the doctor's offices and hospital because they don't see doctors regularly. Keandra aims to break that barrier by visiting schools and hosting Teddy Bear Clinics to show children that although the hospital can be intimidating and sometimes painful, the doctors and nurses try their best to make them comfortable, even through scary moments, so that they can be healthy and safe.

Based on the beaming smiles in these photos, there is no doubt that the children learned a lot and were put at ease.

Thank you so much for reaching out, Keandra, and we are rooting for you as you participate in the Miss D.C. USA pageant!