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A closer look at Bear Essentials with Cheryl and Roanna

At the heart of our Bear Essentials program are Navigators Cheryl Jordan and Roanna McLeod. Recently, we sat down with them to learn more about the realities families are facing...
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How a family navigates healing together with support from Bear Essentials

Disclaimer: The names in this story have been changed to protect the family’s privacy. When Heather’s daughter June was first admitted to BC Children’s Hospital in September 2023 for an...
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Every step of the way, you’re there for Island kids like Scotia

Three-year-old Scotia is an amazing little girl who loves books, colouring, and playing at the park. But her earliest days were full of challenges. In utero, Scotia was diagnosed with...
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How an adaptive bike from Bear Essentials changed Roland’s life

From the moment he was born, Roland was a happy and joyful boy, always laughing and squealing with delight. However, his parents, Aubrey and Jeremy, began to notice differences as...
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Now and then: How Bear Essentials helped this Parksville family

A few years ago, we introduced you to Heather, Wyatt, and Kason from Parksville. Living on Vancouver Island with her two sons, Heather’s experienced both the highs and lows that...
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Jax’s journey: a year of growth

Last year, we introduced you to Jax, a middle-schooler facing challenges associated with cerebral palsy, spastic diplegia, and autism spectrum disorder. Now 13, he lives in Sidney with his devoted...
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How Bear Essentials helped this dancer hear her melody

In the heart of Victoria, 11-year-old Abi isn’t just a middle schooler and competitive dancer; she’s a young girl grappling with an unexpected adversary — hearing loss. Her journey began...
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Then and now: How Bear Essentials is improving Jackson’s life

Jackson, called “Jax” by his family and friends, has an infectious laugh and an amazing “go with the flow” attitude.  A happy twelve-year old, Jax lives with his parents Tracey...
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Meet Island kid Talia: How this Comox Valley family receives critical support from Jeneece Place and Bear Essentials

Talia is described by her mom, Kelsey, as a happy and kind-hearted girl who loves My Little Pony and the Disney movie Moana. Talia turns ten this month and since...
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Meet Elysia and her mom Rocio: How Jeneece Place and Bear Essentials have helped this Qualicum family

We’re all too familiar with the COVID virus, and you’ve heard of the Norwalk virus and the chicken pox virus, but have you heard of Cytomegalovirus (CMV)? It’s a common...
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How Bear Essentials and Jeneece Place helped this Tofino family

When Tofino couple Francis and Hanne made the journey to Nanaimo for a routine midwife appointment, the last thing they were expecting was to meet their baby girl that same...
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How Bear Essentials supports the mobility and independence of Island kid Payton

Island mom Shannon has big hopes and dreams for her eldest daughter, Payton. The outgoing and energetic four-year-old loves swimming, gymnastics, and playing with the animals on her family’s farm....