09.06.05
02.10.05
I want to thank you for your hard work and effort. My three year old son Sean had a high fever and meningitis when he was only 10 days old. After spending a couple of days in the local Hospital he started to have seizures and was transferred to Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis. Well with all the trauma he endured he has some brain damage and is considered mental retarded. My son through the School District was fortunate enough to be the recipients of a Spinoza Bear last year. It has been a life saver for my wife and I. When ever Sean becomes agitated or sad we bring out Spinoza and Sean turns around and looks for him. It has made many a long night seem that much shorter. Spinoza is easily recognized by Sean. He hugs and kisses Spinoza even when Spinoza is sleeping. Sean may be doing something away from Spinoza and if we turn him off Sean comes right over and tries to turn him back on. You are a doing a wonderful thing. I did not know the extent of you kindness and generosity until we had a problem with our Spinoza and needed some replacement parts. I went to the Web site and started reading all the things you do. I know how much Spinoza means to us and to see everybody else that you have touched brings tears to my eyes. Thank you Spinoza Company
Erik Noraas < egnoraas@sherbtel.net >
Big Lake MN
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09.06.05
In September of 2004 American Legion Mark A. Moore Post 3 in Flagstaff, AZ opened its doors to a new association, the Northern Arizona American Legion Riders (ALR). Members of the ALR come from the Legion, the Legion Auxiliary, and the Sons of the American Legion.
The ALR are made up of motorcycle enthusiasts who volunteer their time to support the mission of the American Legion and the surrounding community. The Northern Arizona American Legion Riders jumped right on board for helping childern and youth in Northern Arizona. The ALR held their first fundraiser, a Poker Walk through downtown Flagstaff in December 2004, to raise money in support of children with terminal illnesses. ALR choose the Spinoza Buddy Bear project as their purpose for this event and raised enough money to purchase 13 Bears ( at a cost of $143.00 per bear ). The Spinoza Buddy Bear is a cuddly, soft, "talking" bear ( it comes with several audio tapes ) that helps children and families cope with the child's illness, even thru death.
On March 5, 2005, members of the Northern Arizona ALR traveled to Williams , AZ to present their first Spinoza Bear to Klarisa. Klarisa is a courageous and beautiful three year old child who is fighting for her life against leukemia. Together with her parents, mom Seles and dad Raymond, her grandparents and great-grandparents, Klarisa received her Spinoza Bear at the American Legion Post 13, Williams, AZ. Members of the ALR and others present were deeply touched by Klarisa's boundless love and energy. "She touched each one of our hearts and she will always be special to all of us" a Flagstaff ALR member stated during the event.
Special thanks go out to Ed Rocha, 1st Vice Commander and Ken Talakte, Commander of the Grand Canyon American Legion, Post 42, the family and friends of Klarisa and our own American Legion Riders.
This is just the begining for the Northern Arizona ALR. We will continue to help children, youth and their families thoughout Northern Arizona by providing the Spinoza Buddy Bear. We know this is a never ending project and labor of love, for a child is diagnosed with a terminal illness everyday. The Northern Arizona American Legion Riders are committed to supporting the children and youth in Northern Arizona.
Any questions or comments for the Northern American Legion Riders, please feel free to contact us at slkohl@npgcable.com
Thank you Spinoza Buddy Bear for letting us help.
Sicerely,
Sharon Kohl, Secretary
American Legion Riders
Sharon Kohl < slkohl@npgcable.com >
Flagstaff AZ USA
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08.15.05
Our local Moose Lodge gave Marina her bear the day before she went to her 40th spinal tap. Usually she cries afterwards and for the 2 1/2 hours home, but not now. She has her talking bear buddy who understands her.Since Marina's dx of Leukemia when she was 3, she has always asked why she was different and has had few friends. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving her the best friend ever--one who never gets angry, always understands, and is always ready to give a hug.
Shannon < leukemiahater@wmconnect.com >
Erie PA USA
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05.10.05
My daughter received her Spinoza Bear from The local American Legion. Her name was given as she has several medical conditions and is a very "Special" little girl.. All that she has went through she still always has a smile & hug for everyone. When she received Spinoza she attached to him right away. She has only had him 2 days and sleeps with him everynight! We were so thankful for everyone who has participated in this special gift for her.. Spinoza - we love you!!!
Amie McCoy < amiecj@netzero.net >
Eustis Florida USA
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04.12.05
WOW! I am amazed at the popularity of Spinoza the Bear. I wished I had known of this little guy when my daughters where little ones.This is my first time seeing this site. My daughters are now 13 & 15. I suppose your never too old for a cute and cuddly bear.
Please continue to pray for the Soldiers who are recovering from their injuries throughout our great country.
God Bless America
MSG Espinoza
Ft Hood Tx
MSG Jose M. Espinoza < jose.m.espinoza@us.army.mil >
Fort Hood Texas USA
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02.24.05
I just love Spinoza, I’m so glad that you came up with such a wonderful product. My Club bought a Spinoza for a sick little boy and it was a great experience to give it to him and his family. I'm looking forwards to giving Spinoza to another child this coming year. Thank you and keep Spinoza coming!!
Lori Shughart < mrsharv520@cs.com >
Dillsburg PA
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02.24.05
My name is Tammy Freeberg, and I would like to say thank you to the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 442. My son Jacob Freeberg really enjoys his new Spinoza bear it really makes him feel happy when he can listen to his tapes. He is a very loving child and he is delayed in his walking and talking and he loves music this is sure a gift from the heart. My husband Randy and I would like to say we are glad that their are caring people out they that are willing to give to children . I work at a nursing home in Wisconsin Rapids and I know how much that people appreciate what others do for them. I also know what a gift from God is a child. Thank you again
Randy, Tammy and Jacob Freeberg < rtreeberg@tznet.com >
Wisconsin Rapids WI
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02.24.05
Thank you so much for the Spinoza Bear Project. Our unit, Post 434 in Oak Creek, Wi gave a bear to a little boy named Dilan who had many major health problems and has undergone numerous operations. Spinoza has made him one happy little boy and his parents truly grateful. Thanks again for the opportunity to make someone happy
Barbara Oswald < >
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02.24.05
My Granddaughter Trista was born blind she is 2 years old. On February 18,2002 she was given a Spinoza Bear, We take it in the car with us all the time. She just loves it. We would like to thank the CNIB for him. I know that he will help my granddaughter through out her life. Yours Truly,
Heather Coates < >
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02.24.05
I BELONG TO THE AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY IN ONSTED MICHIGAN. OUR UNIT HAS PURCHASED SEVERAL BEARS FOR AREA CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, EACH TIME IT HAS BEEN VERY REWARDING FOR OUR MEMBERS. I AM THE DISTRICT PRESIDENT THIS YEAR AND MY SPECIAL PROJECT IS THE SPINOZA BEAR. I AM HOPING TO RAISE ENOUGH FUNDS TO DONATE A BEAR TO EACH OF THE 4 COUNTIES IN THE DISTRICT.
CARLA GESTWITE < >
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02.24.05
06.12.03
My son who is four has RAD (reactive attactment disorder). To sum it up he never bonded with me and had a list of other social problems. He loves his bear and it has become his friend. He can relax (which can be hard for him) He has no trust of any one but with spinoza's help we are really able to help him trust and love others. The bear was given to him by The American Legion Auxiliary Tri County Council in central Pa. I can not thank them enough. The tapes are wonderful and he has learned from Spinoza and the bear has been able to touch him in ways that "humans" can not reach yet. His behavior and trust and love has improved. Thank you so much for making this bear.
Rose DeRenzis < >
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02.24.05
I first heard of your bear from the Women of the Moose chapter 224. We recently gave one to a terminal 2 year old boy. He has a rear bone cancer and also a liver disease. We just found out that 2 more tumors have developed behind each eye. He received the bear in time to be able to see it before going blind. There was not a dry faced women in the room when he smiled and grabbed for the bear. I am so impressed, I am going to get my union 775 of Dayton involved as well. Thank you,
Melisa Coburn < katoman@siscom.net >
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02.24.05
Hello...my mom and I belong to Women of the Moose and she happens to be very active...she keeps talking to me about the Spinoza bear so I thought I would check it out. I am a chemo angel to a young boy who is having a very difficult time with chemo right now. I wish I could afford to send him a bear but my finances wont allow it. I think he would really benefit from it. Thanks for having such a wonderful thing for these young children.
Angi < >
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02.24.05
My daughter recently received a Spinoza. Thank you for what you have done for her. Spinoza has made a big difference in our lives!!!
Wendy Spoon < >
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02.24.05
Our story is kinda cool, my daughter Angel went to a yard sale were every thing was free. She came home with this Big Beautiful Brown Bear that had red heart shaped knob on it's chest, I told her that I didn't think that it would work, I mean come on the tag said it was made in 1985, That was before Angel was even born. She tried any way and I was floored to find out that not only did He work, He sounded "GREAT". So we just wanted to thank you for making such a wonderful toy that keeps working for the next generation of Children to enjoy.
Sandra & Angel Barnett < >
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02.24.05
06.12.03
Hi: I want to thank you for the SPINOZA that my daughter received around X-mas of 2001. We live in grand island, Ne.. My daughter Cami lives in Omaha, Ne.(Ambassador of Omaha;1540 n. 72 street (peds.) when we came into town to celebrate x-mas with her, I seen this big bear next to her at the head of her bed talking to her, I couldn't believe how she loved listening to him, when the tape stopped she started to cry, so I turned the tape over and started it, then she started to calm down again with a half of a smile. It brought happiness to my eyes to see her happy. I didn't know about your web site till this week 1-9-2003 He now is not working and hasn't been for a few months, and wasn't able to get to him till now. We've had a very hard time these past 5 years of taken care of the person, and place who did this to her at birth. were climbing back up the rope, I & her daddy are trying to get her back home where she belongs, she has been there since 4-21-2000, I was needing surg. for 4 hernias caused from lifting and working with her, and also having a new born, was hard on me., I'm now putting her spinoza 1st so I can put him back were he belongs next to my daughter. Thank you again for a freind like him to make her, and me happy.
Mrs. Shelly Green < >
Grand Island NE
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02.24.05
06.12.03
Hello from Missouri. My 3 year old daughter just received a her Spinoza bear today from our District Lions Club. She is sleeping with her bear right now! I am already so impressed and looking forward to Spinoza joining us on our trips to the hospital and surgeries! Thank you for this very informative web site. It has helped me know how to use Spinoza to help my little girl. Thank You! Thank You!
Laurie Belshe < >
Hamilton MO
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02.24.05
06.12.03
My autistic niece was given a Spinoza. She takes it with her everywhere she goes. She really relates to the bear.
< >
Boston MA
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02.24.05
06.12.03
We just got Spinoza this afternoon, and my daughter who is LD, FASD, ADHD, and has a hard time with friends, has been sitting hugging the bear, and just listening to the tapes on friends over and over. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. She now has her very own friend who will never desert her even when she's having a bad day getting along with her peers
Judy Sutton < >
Ottawa Canada
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02.24.05
06.12.03
Spinoza arrived at my house as a Youth Activity Program for next year. My hubby who has PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) has enjoyed Spinoza for his relaxation tapes. I think you have a very multi-talented bear who helps us all. When I'm having a bad day at work I go to this site just to hear the Spinoza Song. It's good for a smile and a stress reliever. Thanks!
Maggie < >
WA
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02.24.05
06.12.03
Thank you so much for the Spinoza Bear. My daughter, Destini, was born with Spina Bifida. I am not sure who put her name in for the bear from the American Legion in Litchfield, KY - but she is very happy with the gift. Thank you so much!!
Nancy Hall < >
Hazard KY
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02.24.05
06.12.03
Thank you so much for the Spinoza Bear Project. Our unit, Post 434 in Oak Creek, Wi gave a bear to a little boy named Dilan who had many major health problems and has undergone numerous operations. Spinoza has made him one happy little boy and his parents truly grateful. Thanks again for the opportunity to make someone happy.
Barbara Oswald < >
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02.24.05
06.17.03
Connor is 9 years old and received his friend Spinoza, this week, he has enjoyed listening to the songs and hearing his books as Connor is visually impaired, I would like to thank the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, (CNIB) in Canada for having suggest this as a buddy for Connor. I look forward to him traveling with us and also hearing the many stories that comes form the heart, and as Connor says, they are all different, his bear is unique and special just for him. thank you
Joeann and Connor < joeannlyon1@aol.com >
Fredericton Canada
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02.24.05
09.21.03
WE ARE AN AMERICAN LEGION POST THAT IS PART OF THE SPINOZA BEAR PROJECT, MOST OF THE LEGION POSTS MAKE AN EFFORT TO HAVE A SPECIAL FUND SET ASIDE JUST FOR THE TIME WHEN THAT SPECIAL CHILD WILL NEED ONE. RECENTLY WE GAVE ONE TO A 7YR IN LAS VEGAS. HIS MOTHER WROTE US, " ANY TIME HE GETS ANGRY OR SAD, THEY RUSH TO GET HIS BEAR, BECAUSE THEY HAD BONDED." THIS PROJECT OF ALL THAT WE DO,STANDS OUT AND MAKES OUR MEMBERS PROUD. THANK YOU.
ART KOLB < LAUGHLINPOST60@CMAACCESS.COM >
LAUGHLIN NV
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02.24.05
09.30.03
I had an accident that caused paralyzation to my legs. I walked on braces and crutches for many years. Until, in 1987, I had a surgery to my hips that failed to correct the curvature to my spine and other issues. That is when my mom gave me Spinoza Bear for Christmas. A part of me was lost in the ruffle of countless surgeries and long hospital stays. But, my Spinoza gave me a friend that I could always count on even when I felt no one understood what I was going through. I am now 23 years old. I have won two BRONZE medals in the 2002 Winter Paralympics, I am the current World Cup Champion for 2003, and the holder of the National Championship in Alpine skiing, Slalom. I believe that the help of my best friend, Spinoza, helped me regain confidence in myself and helped inspire me to achieve great goals...despite my, so called, "physical challenges." I think what the Spinoza Company has done and is continuing to do for young people is inspiring and grand! And I would like them to know that, to this day, Spinoza still sits on my bed and I listen to his tapes whenever I need an extra boost. Thank you.
Lacey Heward < xtremeskigrl@hotmail.com >
Boise ID
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02.24.05
11.09.03
On May 28,2003 my brother was killed in a car accident and he left behind 2 boys ages 7 and 3. It was really had for them to loose their dad but the 7 year old took it the hardest. In July the Women of the Moose (Barberton Lodge 759, WOTM chapter 61) which we belong to gave a bear to the boys and it has helped them a lot because they were afraid to go to sleep and not have mom or their grandparents be there when they woke up. The 7 year old talks and takes comfort in the bear at night. I just want to thank you for coming up with a wonderful bear it helped us a lot.
Ann Asbury < mart2317@aol.com >
Akron OH
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02.24.05
11.18.03
I was referred to this site by a friend and I must say, I admire what your company has done, is doing, and will do in the future. I believe the foundation of your company is built on compassion and a genuine concern for humanity. I wish you continued success in all your endeavors.
Charles Fox Jr < cjfox18@yahoo.com >
East Patchogue NY
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02.24.05
01.16.04
I LOVE Spinoza! I am a pediatric home nurse, I met Spinoza through one of my clients. He is her very best friend and comfort, in the most painful or scariest of times for her, if you give her Spinoza a smile comes to her face. I wish that all of my clients could experience such a feeling of comfort and joy. I tell everyone about Spinoza!
Amber Baker < Bakerfam01@aol.com >
Fort Wayne IN
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02.24.05
03.05.04
I just had the most surreal experience. In 1986 my dad was named teacher of the year and while at the conference he and my mom bought me a Spinoza bear at the silent auction - I was 12. Spinoza incidentally has been to Disney World, Europe and even made his way to college with me. I've never had the heart to pack him away - he still holds a very sentimental place in my heart. I've gone on and become a therapist working with children. Having recently moved, I'm in the process of setting up a new play-room to do therapy in and was looking for a couple games I need on the internet and came across none other than, Spinoza! I'm so excited you guys are still around. I called me parents just a few minutes ago and we took a fun trip down memory lane. Thank-you, what a treat. Once I get this round of initial buying out of the way, I plan to purchase a Spinoza to have in my office and use in my clinical practice. How special that I'll get to share him with other children! Thank you again, your product was a huge part of my growing up! Sincerely, Liz Sawyer
Liz Sawyer < lizsawyer@yahoo.com >
West Bloomfield MI
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02.24.05
07.20.04
I first met Spinoza Bear when I worked at a senior center. Just an amazing bear. The clients that needed the little extra reassurance just fell in love with him. What a great tool. I thought the bear was just amazing.
rachel mcintyre < mcintyreco6@aol.com >
coral springs FL
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02.24.05
07.31.04
Hi my name is Amelia and I received Spinoza after I was very sick in the hospital for a long time. Spinoza has been my friend since he arrived at my house in October of 2000. Who would have guessed we would still be together after 4 years. I would like to see some new tapes and a plug adapter for my bear. Thank you, Amelia Rolfe age 10
Amelia Rolfe < friend4lifchele@yahoo.com >
Las Vegas NV
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02.24.05
08.26.04
My daughter, Rhiannon, met a Spinoza bear in the Shriner's Hospital in Erie, PA, when she had to be there for orthopedic surgery about 9-10 years ago. It was the one thing that helped her to calm down and relax when she was nervous and upset about having therapy and surgery. I purchased one for her, and she has loved it dearly ever since. The tapes are absolutely great, and when they calm her down, then it lets me calm down and relax as well. Rhiannon has Cerebral Palsy, and can be very hyper-sensitive to sound, and hyper-anxiety makes it hard for her to calm down, but Spinoza has done the trick whenever we needed him. He has taken a lot of wear and tear over the years and been repaired, and we will keep repairing him for as long as possible. Thanks for a fabulous product and a wonderful, irreplaceable "friend" for Rhiannon.
Mina McGean < mm4400@cogeco.ca >
Niagara Falls Canada
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02.24.05
09.08.04
HI! My daughter, Courtney, received a Spinoza from our local Moose Lodge this summer...Well, she has gone through MANY batteries with her bear! She loves it very much! Courtney has Down Syndrome and this bear calms her after a long day of hard work at school. It is also helping with her conversation skills. Her speech is improving... I highly recommend this bear for any child with special needs!
Jennifer Griffith < dcajng@yahoo.com >
Shreveport LA
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02.24.05
11.14.04
I have 3 girls that have severe medical disabilities. The Spinoza bear has helped at times when they were so scared of everything they were going through. I have to admit that I too have held that bear and cried sitting next to their beds in the hospital. No-one could possibly understand except parents of other "special kids". (I hate the word disabled). There are times when I feel so all alone, then I see Spinoza and I know that thanks to some really wonderful people, my girls and I will never be truly alone. Cathy, mom of Margaret, Nikki and Sammi
Cathy Curry < cathy51503@aol.com >
Cheektowaga NY
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02.24.05
12.23.04
I absolutely love Spinoza!! I first saw him at the hospital when I was sick. He helped me a lot. After I got out of the hospital, I wanted one so bad. My mom finally got me one. I am 12,almost 13,and I still use him sometimes when I can't sleep. My favorite tape is, "I'm Your Friend, and My Name Is Spinoza." I love that tape! I really haven't experimented with any other tape. Thanks you guys for all you are doing, and hopefully will continue to do with these kids. When I grow up I want to be a pediatrician. And I may just have to get me one of your bears to help me in my office!! :) THANK YOU LOTS!! Love, Meagan :)
Meagan < candmc@swbell.net >
Hugo OK
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02.24.05
01.22.05
Thanks so much for Spinoza, he has been my son's Cole best friend since he was 4 months old. Cole was born with nueroblastoma cancer and the nurses and his doctors saved him one that was given to the Roger Maris Cancer Center in Fargo. So when he came back for his checkup after surgery he got Spinoza. Cole has had him ever since. He loves his Spinoza and has learned that even if he looks or feels different its okay. Thanks so much. Cole has been cancer free for almost 4 years now. The Bethels- Mark & Julie & Carrie & Cassandra & Cole & Spinoza.
Julie Bethel < mjbethel@unitelc.com >
Park Rapids MN
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02.24.05
02.07.05
Our son received his Spinoza Bear in August, 2004. It is unbelievable how fast he became attached to it, he loves to sit and hold it, talk to it, and listen to the tapes. Dakota was diagnosed with ALL Leukemia in Jan 2002, on his second birthday. He was presented with his bear from the Moose Lodge in Port Huron, after they fought to present it to him as we were not in their "jurisdiction". We can't thank those ladies enough for the special gift they gave our son, and thank you for supplying the special bear for them. The tapes are so moving, and has put him to sleep many times. Also we can't say enough about your doctor as well. Within 2 weeks of receiving Spinoza Dakota's younger brother broke the door to the tape player. I emailed your website, and within less than 24 hours, I received not only a response to that email, but a call from the doctor himself. Thankfully it was an easy repair. Thank you so much for such a great addition to anyone's household, but especially for children who have special needs.
Dawn Davis < dawnedavis@ameritech.net >
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12.31.69
Jenna absolutely loved having her bear with her during radiation treatments in Boston. Please stop by "www.caringbridge.org/ma/jennamarcella" to see her hugging her bear tight and smiling from her toes. Thank you all so much, especially to the Ladies of the Moose.
Dan Marcella
Dan Marcella < dcmarc@comcast.net >
Hanover MD USA
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12.31.69
I just found out about this and love this site and the project. I think it is so great. I have a 8 mth old daughter who had open heart surgery on Dec 1st for AV Canal Defect and she also has down syndrome. She is doing great now. I think what you are doing is just wonderful!!!!!
Kelly Rimmer < skrimmer@peoplepc.com >
Atwood Tn
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12.31.69
Hi my name is brad brown. I ran the Spinoza Buddy Bear Project on my race car for the 2005 season. I was turned on to Spinoza by Jennifer Bartlet and the Vancouver Junior Chamber of Commerce. I cannot tell you how many people are touched buy this bear and what it stands for. I also have it on the back of my suit, i get people that just want to buy a bear all the time. I have some pictures of the car if you all would like to see them, just e-mail me back. I love this, i love knowing that i am helping in a way. This is one of the best things ever. thank you for everything you all have done.
Brad Brown
6 time midget nat'l champion
#22 street stock
Brad Brown < Alienworkshopelf@aol.com >
Vancouver Wa USA
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