Born from love, loss, and the healing power of a hug.

Hugga-Bear began as a deeply personal gesture of comfort. After my father passed away in December 2013, someone gave me a small bear with a note that read: “This is Hug A Dad Bear. Whenever you’re missing your dad, just give him a hug.” That simple gift became a profound source of solace during one of the hardest times of my life. My sons later named him “Hugga-Bear,” and from that moment on, he became part of our family.

In July 2017, a young girl I love dearly was diagnosed with leukemia. As I sat grieving and praying, unsure how to help, my three-year-old son gently asked, “Mommy, are you okay?” When I told him I just wished I could be there to hug her, he said something that changed everything: “Why don’t you send Hugga-Bear? Everyone should have a bear to hug when you’re not there.”

That was the moment Hugga-Bear’s mission was born.

With a background in pharmaceutical care and a heart devoted to caregiving, I’ve witnessed how a simple hug can bring comfort—especially for those living with depression, anxiety, Alzheimer’s, autism, or the loneliness that comes with loss. A hug may not be a cure, but it’s often exactly what the heart needs.

After losing my mother in 2018, we honored her wish to share Hugga-Bear with the world. Hugga-Bear isn’t just a plush toy—he’s a companion, a symbol of presence, and a reminder that even when no one else is there, love still is.

At Hugga-Bear, our mission is to nurture a community of connection, comfort, and healing—one hug at a time.

“Hugga-Bear hugs are always there,
To give love, comfort, and care”