Build-A-Bear Foundation Partners With Make-A-Wish® to Give Back Through 'Krystin's Wish'

Build-A-Bear Foundation Partners With Make-A-Wish® to Give Back Through 'Krystin's Wish'

Wish Recipient Uses Wish to Provide Furry Friends to Patients at Seattle Children's Hospital

ST. LOUIS, Sept. 13, 2023 // PRNewswire // - Build-A-Bear Foundation, in partnership with Make-A-Wish®, recently fulfilled the wish of 18-year-old Krystin to give back to the youngest of patients at Seattle Children's Hospital. Krystin, who was diagnosed with leukemia in 2022 and is cancer-free today, was granted a wish by Make-A-Wish just as she graduated high school.

Krystin's wish was to bring joy to children dealing with serious illness. Her story is told in a heartwarming new video, viewable on the Make-A-Wish Alaska & Washington YouTube channel. To grant Krystin's wish, Build-A-Bear Foundation brought a full bear-making experience to more than 100 patients and siblings at Seattle Children's Hospital. Kids chose from a variety of furry friends and clothing items, participated in the brand's iconic Heart Ceremony, and brought their furry friends to life on-site with help from Build-A-Bear's world-class Bear Builders.

Build-A-Bear furry friends have provided comfort, support and companionship to children for the past 25 years. Krystin's wish is extra special because she selflessly used her own wish to provide these special bears to the patients.

"Krystin's wish to give back was amazing to watch unfold," said Melissa Arias, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington. "To be given a wish and immediately think of how you can make a difference in someone else's life, that's really special and unique. We are incredibly grateful to Build-A-Bear Foundation and Seattle Children's Hospital for teaming up with us to help grant Krystin's wish. Thank you for bringing hope and joy to children with critical illnesses and for creating memories that will last a lifetime."

"Granting a wish is something every Bear Builder hopes to do someday," said Sisi Beltran, Vice President and Executive Director of Build-A-Bear Foundation. "Our partnership with Make-A-Wish is a natural extension of our core values and giving mission. When a young leader like Krystin uses their wish to serve others, the entire Build-A-Bear team is honored to help make it happen."

Build-A-Bear Foundation adds a little more heart to life thanks to partners like Make-A-Wish, who have partnered with the brand to grant more than 500 transformational wishes for kids with critical illness. On average, Build-A-Bear's Bear Builders grant a wish somewhere in the United States every week.

SOURCE Build-A-Bear Workshop

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