Testimonials
"When I gave the bunny to the pt (demented and also had a CVA. MMSE of 2.) She began to verbalize a great deal more than she had on previous visits. She also felt of the Bunny and it's ears and was surprised and delighted when she found the baby bunny on its back. She managed to clearly say "Its adorable". She also made it clear she needed a plan to keep it so no one else could get it. She usually falls asleep quickly but the bunny inspired her to stay awake longer.
The bunny also inspired her to remember that her father had a way of always buying the perfect present. A beautiful memory for her I think. She was able to communicate this to me which is usually beyond her limits. This bunny was a massive success and very stimulating for the pt.
Thank you!"
Maribeth Gallagher, Psych NP, MS
Dementia Program Director
Hospice of the Valley
"I wanted to tell you how much comfort the stuffed animals have brought to our confused dementia patients.
- I had one dementia patient who was visually impaired and very lonely who would frequently yell out in her confusion. Her daughter said the patient never liked stuffed animals. I asked her if I could try offering one to her mom. Much to the daughter's surprise, the mom clung to the animal and pressed it close to her heart. She loved how soft it felt. It brought her much comfort and decreased her episodes of calling out.
- A few of our confused patients have taken to calling the animals their 'babies' and caress them throughout the day and night. This brings an important sense of belonging and calls forth the nurturer within the patient.
- We are currently in the process of making aprons with many pockets for our dementia patients who are restless. We are stuffing the pockets w/ smaller stuffed animals you gave us along with various forms of tactile and visual stimulation. These keep the patients interested and entertained, and distract them from repetitive behaviors such as picking at wounds, etc. This is a wonderful way to avoid having to possibly medicate patients.
- We had a dementia patient who would not stop tapping on things (which created noise that was disturbing to other patients in our inpatient unit). We gave her a stuffed animal and she clung to it and patted its little bottom, comforting herself while giving a quiet environment back to the other patients.
- Another dementia patient was very isolated and sad, not interacting with anyone. One of our dementia team members started out her visit by offering her a soft red bear. The patient immediately put out both her arms to receive the bear and asked, "This is for ME????" She put the bear under her arm and held on to it for the entire afternoon, allowing our staff to conduct a proper assessment with the patient cooperating and communicating.
- I received a call from an RN relaying her delightful experience in delivering an activity blanket with beanie babies to her patient. Her patient's response was to say "It's perfect" over and over with great excitement, while smiling. When the team pointed out the various colors and the stuffed animals, the patient ran her hands over all the items on the blanket.
- One of our patients carries around a bear and believes it is her 'puppy'. She carries it with her absolutely everywhere and it makes her so happy.
- I presented pt with a bunny combo. She had a stroke and is polite and smiles when she talks to people, but she is somewhat vacant (withdrawn)
and her smile fades as soon as she or visitor cease interacting. I have rarely known patient to initiate conversation. She did not want to
take the bunnies until I assured her I had another for the other resident in the gp home. Pt said repeatedly "It's so cute." and started playing
with the ears with a look of pure delight. She was so grateful. A little while later, although I had been "dismissed" by her ignoring me, I looked
over and saw she had arranged the mama bunny's ears to "pad" the baby bunny. I commented on her creativity, she gave a big smile, and actually hugged
the bunnies! A success!
- "My patient "played" with her blanket and beanie babies for an hour when I gave it to her. She really loved the stuffed animals."
- Patient used to talk a lot more but over the past few months has become rather quiet and incomprehensible. This bunny really sparked something
in her -especially the memory of her father. Had to stop myself from crying. Very special Thank you,
- "She loved the dementia apron. They weren't able to tie it on her so they laid it across her lap & for 30 minutes or so she was playing with
the pockets & the beanie babies inside. She would bring the beanie babies up to her face & smell them & cuddle them."
- "She puts her hands in the pockets of the apron and pulls things out. She likes the beanie baby animals and soft things to play with."
Keep up your great work!!!!"
Sincerely,
Maribeth Gallagher, Psych NP, MS
Dementia Program Director
Hospice of the Valley
"At St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance, we are delighted to partner with On Wings of Love Foundation! We receive new toys to include in emergency boxes for children and their families, and it makes a powerful impact! We will be working together to give new toys to children this holiday season."
Sharon Pederson,St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance
"We are so blessed to be in partnership with your mission. It is a great privilege to receive the stuffed animals and toys you send. Our agencies such as the local schools, community centers and church's come in every quarter to what we call quarterly shopping day. These agencies use these items for incentives for children in school that may be having difficulties as a reward for good behavior. Other agencies use these precious gifts for underprivileged children and our local shelter shares these with new arrivals to the shelter.
I am very happy to say this quarter we will be using the toys for a special day when our “Crystal Princess” will join us at the food bank and do photos of families and children with the princess. The princess will give a toy to each child, age appropriate.
Thank you for your generosity and blessing. Our hope is to continue to send a little bit of heaven a child's way this season.
God Bless all you do."
Jaynette Espinola
Desert Mission Food Bank
"I took 2 patients the stuffed animals provided by "On Wings of Love". Both Pts expressed joy through smiles and appreciation by holding on to stuffed animals. Thanks for the gift to these Pts - it brought a moment of happiness to them.
One Bunny (with baby bunny attached) was provided to Pt in Memory Care. She hugged and "loved" Bunny. She smiled and her mood and affect elevated. A very positive reaction. The other was given to a Pt in the Secure Dementia Unit. Her reaction was less animated and my intention was to perhaps use the Bunny as a tactile experience for the group. "Pass the Bunny". Pet it - hug it - pass it on. Didn't work out as intended - Pt did not want to "pass it on". Did not pursue as Pt ability to follow simple directions impaired and think she liked the Bunny more than she was able to visually or verbally demonstrate. I did observe later that the Bunny was on her table at lunch. Two different reactions - but positive I think for both Thanks to those who provided the Bunnies. "
Marge
"I just came from visit with Pt who I took a bunnie to and she couldn't stop petting and kissing the little thing. Pt smiled and express "you're a good one, aren't you". This bunny brought her such joy. Thanks to "on Wings of Love" for this opportunity to bring joy to this Pt."
Thanks, J
"When I gave the bunny to the pt (demented and also had a CVA. MMSE of 2.) She began to verbalize a great deal more than she had on previous visits. She also felt of the Bunny and it's ears and was surprised and delighted when she found the baby bunny on its back. She managed to clearly say "Its adorable". She also made it clear she needed a plan to keep it so no one else could get it. She usually falls asleep quickly but the bunny inspired her to stay awake longer. The bunny also inspired her to remember that her father had a way of always buying the perfect present. A beautiful memory for her I think. She was able to communicate this to me which is usually beyond her limits. This bunny was a massive success and very stimulating for the pt. Thank you "
