Grayson’s Gift: Family donates more than 900 stuffed animals to comfort Memorial Health System patients

MARIETTA -- Memorial Health System [MHS] and Memorial Health Foundation extended their thanks to the family of Grayson Shreve for their donation to Memorial Health Foundation's Teddy Bear Initiative in memory of Grayson and the joy he brought his family.

On Nov. 8, a group of Grayson's loved ones gathered at Marietta Memorial Hospital to present 925 stuffed animals to Memorial Health System's Volunteer Services and Event Coordinator Cindy Hall and various Memorial Health Foundation representatives.

As the newest additions to the Teddy Bear Initiative, the stuffed animals will be gifted to any patient throughout the health system who may need a bit of extra comfort while in MHS care, providing them with a loyal companion to accompany them during their healing journey.

"It means the world to our family to be able to collect these stuffed animals in memory of our sweet Grayson Scott," said his mother, Morgan Shreve. "Knowing we are able to bring smiles to others in their time of need brings us a lot of comfort."

Over the past three years, Grayson's memory has been carried on by his loved ones through stuffed animal donations to the initiative on his birthday. Since 2021, the family has collected animals from all 50 states and six countries-- totaling over 2,864 stuffed animals for patients.

To learn more about the Teddy Bear Initiative or how to get involved in supporting another of Memorial Health Foundation's 30-plus patient-centered initiatives visit mhsystem.org/WaysToGive to explore options.