Stepping Stone Palliative Care Services recently received a heart-warming donation that has left a lasting impact on the staff and patients at the hospice. A custom-made teddy bear, designed to resemble an EMPD officer, was donated to the hospice by Antoinette Foord in memory of her late brother, André.

André, who was an EMPD officer, was cared for by the Stepping Stone staff before his passing after a brave fight with cancer. As a gesture of gratitude and remembrance, Antoinette’s sister, Roelien Opperman, facilitated the making of the teddy bear, which embodies their love and care as a family in every stitch.

The teddy bear is a touching reminder of the bond between the Foord family and the Stepping Stone Hospice staff. This beautiful handmade creation, which features a badge with the initials “A Human,” is a testament to the impact that the hospice staff had on André’s life and the family’s appreciation for the care and compassion they showed him during his time of need.

Antoinette said: “Roelien had this teddy made. We, as the late André Human’s sisters as well as the Van Wyk family, would like to share our gratitude towards Hospice for helping our brother in his final stage of cancer during December 2023 until January 2024, and for the best treatment that he could have asked for: to be treated like ‘gold’ and with passion until the day of his passing, as well as for all the assistance and support that we, as the family, received.”

Stepping Stone Hospice founder and CEO, Tersia Burger, thanked the Foord family for this wonderful donation, adding that André’s memory will continue to live on in their hearts.

“We are deeply touched by this donation. The teddy bear is a beautiful gesture that reminds us of the importance of compassion, care, and community. We are grateful to the Foord family for their kindness and thoughtfulness. The teddy bear will serve as a symbol of protection and care for the staff members and families who visit our adult inpatient unit,” she said.

Tersia mentioned that the teddy bear will be a constant reminder of the love and kindness that exists in the community, and the difference that one family’s gesture can make.

As the hospice continues to provide care and support to those in need, the handmade teddy bear will remain a cherished reminder of the love and appreciation that exists in the community.