Run brings teddy bears, smiles to children at pediatric clinic

Published March 30, 2011
By Steve Pivnick
81st Medical Group Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- More than 200 81st Training Group students participated in the fifth quarterly Teddy Bear Run Saturday on the Biloxi-Ocean Springs Bridge. The event resulted in more than 300 teddy bears being donated to the 81st Medical Group Hospital's pediatric clinic.

Runners staged at the base of the bridge on the Ocean Springs side, ran across the bridge, picked up a stuffed animal on the Biloxi side and returned to deposit it at a collection spot. Following the run, members of the 81st Medical Operations Squadron pediatric flight transported the teddy bears to the clinic to brighten a child's day.

Col. Lynn Connett, 81st TRG commander, joined other training group staff to cheer the runners on. Maj. (Dr.) Shannan McCann from the pediatric clinic thanked the participants at the run's conclusion, stating how much the bears mean to the children, especially those who have to spend time in the hospital.

Master Sgt. Anthony Fisher, 81st Training Support Squadron military training superintendent, originated the Teddy Bear Run concept. The first run 13 months ago collected 130 bears.

Tech. Sgt. Julie Hammond, 81st TRSS military training leader and one of the run's organizers, said, "Our purpose was to make some children happy by giving them a bear when they are scared or frightened about going to the doctor. Another purpose was to get our Airmen volunteering for a good cause."