The Char Bear has been a great resource for our patients here at Richmond University Medical Center.

"It was first introduced to our medical staff during our monthly meeting and each staff member expressed how amazing a resource like this was for our patients. They were all excited to add char bear as a form of emotional support and education for our patients. Our patients have expressed their love for char bear and have been engaged with the education char bear helps us give the patients. Our families have been amazed at how the book and bear have helped their child cooperate with the process of an EEG. Char bear has been the best addition to the care we provide here for our patients."

- Yazmin Diaz-Nieves

  CCLS

This book and bear has been a blessing in the beginning of our epilepsy journey.

"The bear helped me prepare my son for his EEG and feel comforted during it. And after getting home, we love to talk about how brave he and his bear are. It has also been helpful to teach our other children about their brother’s epilepsy in a way that kids can easily grasp. We can’t wait to keep sharing this story with friends and classmates!"

- Summer R. Wilton

  Customer

I LOVE the Brave Bears and Char Bear Keeps Dancing books.

"As an EEG technologist and person with epilepsy myself, I wish we had these when I was a kid to help me learn more about my condition and have a companion when going through the tests and scans that are a part of normal life for those with seizure disorders. This is a game changer in spreading awareness early and advocating for the younger generation who don’t have a voice of their own yet. My 4 year old nephew would also agree that he loves the book as well!"

- Liv Chaponis

  Customer

Brave Bears have all the essential components to help kids feel comforted, empowered to learn, and eager to play.

"As a child life specialist, I've witnessed firsthand that the most impactful learning comes not from conversations about what's happening, but through play. Brave Bears doesn't just help kids at every developmental level feel comforted, but they help normalize medical procedures that may feel anything but normal. I'm so grateful to parents and advocates like Kate for creating resources that I can confidently share in my practice and know will have a profound impact on the families child life specialists support."

- Katie Taylor, CCLS, Founder + CEO

  @childlifeoncall @supportspot

My daughter lit up when she saw her brave bear!

There is something so special about representation!

- Abbey Luckett Benjamin

  @abbeybenj

This is one of my favorite things the community has gotten introduced to.

As someone who wanted to be a professor before my epilepsy took over, I would have to say this is one of my favorite things the community has gotten introduced to. It’s adorable, educational and helps people of MANY ages -not just the little ones. I LOVE the one I have and I’m no where near single digits anymore.

- Bree

  @SoCal.Epilepsy

Waves the Brave, with its EEG cap, has been particularly meaningful for Ambrose.

"For families like ours, dealing with pediatric epilepsy, including infantile spasms, the support of organizations like The Brave Bears Club is invaluable. They not only raise awareness but also offer comfort through thoughtful gifts that bring much-needed brightness to hospital rooms. These bears and books give children something to relate to, easing their hospital experience. Waves the Brave, with its EEG cap, has been particularly meaningful for Ambrose. Every time we go for an EEG, we bring Waves with us. As he grows older, this bear will continue to play an essential role in helping him understand his condition and feel less alone during his treatments. We are so grateful to The Brave Bears Club and the kind individual who donated these wonderful gifts. Their efforts have a profound impact on families like ours, offering hope, comfort, and a way for children to see themselves in their journey with epilepsy. Thank you from the Quintero family!"

- Quintero family

What a lovely book and bear duo!

As a practicing child neurologist, l had always wished there was an easy way to describe and talk to a child about things like an EEG and epilepsy and this is the perfect way. The book is beautifully illustrated with simple and clear language which makes it perfect for any age child. And the sweet bear with the EEG cap makes the whole processes just a little easier! I'm happy to support and share such a great product and mission!

- Dr. Shilpa

  @pedsbraindoc

"Char Bear Keeps Dancing" is a heartwarming children's book

"Char Bear Keeps Dancing" is a heartwarming children's book that educates young readers about a difficult medical condition called Infantile spasms. The story follows Charlotte, a brave young girl who is diagnosed with infantile spasms and walks you through the diagnosis, the appointments in between and treatments. As teachers to preschoolers, we found "Char Bear Keeps Dancing" to be a great resource in educating young readers about a complex medical condition in a sensitive and engaging manner. The story of Charlotte's experiences not only sheds light on infantile spasms but also emphasizes the importance of empathy, understanding, and support for those facing health challenges...

- ​​Robyn Mcyntire & Tina St. Jean

  teachers

"Char Bear Keeps Dancing" is a heartwarming children's book

The collaboration between the parent and physicians in writing this book gave a credible and informative resource for families, educators, and healthcare professionals alike. The illustrations and storytelling style capture the attention of young audiences and facilitate important conversations about health, perseverance, and acceptance. Overall, "Char Bear Keeps Dancing" is a beautifully written and illustrated book that teaches important lessons about acceptance and understanding. It is a must-read for children and families facing similar challenges, as well as for anyone looking to foster empathy and inclusivity in their community. We highly recommend this book to anyone looking to educate children about health conditions, promote empathy and inclusivity.

- Robyn Mcyntire & Tina St. Jean

  teachers

One of biggest goals I’ve ever had in my life was to be a dad.

When I met my wife, it just became a matter of when. My started to become uncontrolled, and I questioned any and everything I could about being the type of dad I wanted to be. I sort of felt lost. It wasn’t until I found some people in our epilepsy community on social media who I relate to that made me feel less alone. That was a major hurdle crossed. When my wife and I had our first child, it later became clear that I would have to eventually teach them about my condition and the likelihood that they’d witness me having a seizure. As anyone who has witnessed or experienced a seizure, they can be quite scary.

- Alek & Brittany Stewart

  @greybruceepilepsy

One of biggest goals I’ve ever had in my life was to be a dad.

So, I wanted to use an approach to teach my now 3 girls in a way that’d be comforting, loving, fun, and still very educational. Cue my relationship with Kate and her wonderful book, Char Bear Keeps Dancing. It has been a favourite in our household every night for several months. Waves the bear sleeps right beside my oldest daughter every night. I have to say, when I hear my almost 5 year old describe epilepsy, seizures, EEGs, etc. I do feel as though my wife and I are on the right track as parents. Was it the approach to parenting I suspected I’d have over 10 years ago? No. But, because of my condition, my friends through the epilepsy community, and people like Kate who are unbelievable advocates, I have found a way to be the dad I always wanted to be.

- Alek & Brittany Stewart

  @greybruceepilepsy