For many children, a visit to the hospital can feel overwhelming long before they ever see a doctor. At Shriners Children’s, we are committed to creating moments of comfort and reassurance during these challenging experiences. Through our partnership with Build-A-Bear, we proudly offer Build-A-Bear Foundation Buddy Rooms at our locations across the country. These special spaces are designed to help patients feel safe, supported, and cared for when they need it most.
“In radiology, we see how meaningful these bears truly are. Many children bring their bears with them during X-rays, holding them close for comfort and reassurance. It transforms what can be a scary moment into something a little more manageable,” said a Shriners Children’s radiologist.
Buddy Rooms provide children with a welcoming environment where they can pause, breathe, and focus on something familiar and comforting ahead of procedures, appointments, or other difficult moments. Surrounded by warmth and friendly faces, patients are given the opportunity to engage with a beloved stuffed friend, helping to ease anxiety and restore a sense of control during an unfamiliar experience. For many children, this simple act can make a powerful difference. One clinic staff member noted, “Every day we see how these small gestures make the biggest difference. One of the most beloved parts of our hospital is the buddy room. It has quickly become a place of joy, comfort, and healing for our children and families. It’s not just about stuffed animals, it’s about giving children a way to express themselves, to feel safe, and to carry a piece of hope with them.”
The Build-A-Bear Foundation Buddy Rooms reflect our shared belief that healing extends beyond medical care alone. By offering comfort, distraction, and emotional support, these spaces help transform fear into courage and uncertainty into calm. Together with Build-A-Bear, we are creating meaningful moments that remind our patients—and their families—that they are never alone on their journey to healing.
Thank you to Build-A-Bear for their continued support of the patients at Shriners Children’s!
