About Project BEAR

Project B.E.A.R

Bringing Empty Arms Reprieve

Project B.E.A.R. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

Donations are tax deductible.

Project B.E.A.R. was founded in memory of Jeremiah Joseph Spering, who was stillborn at 37 weeks on April 17, 2008 & Vincent Joseph Spering who was born June 2, 2009 and passed away June 15, 2009.

We draw strength from our son’s namesake verse Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” The knowledge that we will one day hold our children again fills us with hope.

We in turn endeavor to provide some comfort to those who suffer a similar loss and let them know they are not alone.

Project B.E.A.R. sends teddy bears to hospitals as well as to individuals who request them, free of cost. Our bears provide tangible comfort & support to families navigating the challenging path of loss. We also send bears to families with a baby in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit & to those struggling with infertility.

Anyone suffering the pain of a child's absence is welcome to a bear. If you would like to support Project B.E.A.R. to help us continue to provide free bears, simply click the "Support Us" tab above.

We believe that every child is a precious blessing, no matter how short their time with us and whether or not we got to hold them in our arms or just in our hearts.

Request a Free Bear

Jeremiah's Story

Vincent's Story

Our Mission

To help, comfort & support grieving families that have lost a baby due to miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death or termination, or those who have a baby currently in the NICU, by giving them a teddy bear to honor their precious child.

To bring awareness to the reality of miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, infertility and premature birth.

To honor and remember babies who are lost to us.

To comfort those struggling with infertility.

To cultivate a community of caring & understanding.

Help Project B.E.A.R. Send More Free Bears

Our Bears

Carefully designed to honor each unique journey

Baby Loss Bears

For anyone who has faced the loss of a child or pregnancy, at any age for any reason

Early Loss Bears

For anyone who has experienced a miscarriage or early pregnancy loss

Infertility Bears

For anyone who is currently facing infertility or difficulties starting /expanding their family

NICU Bears

For parents and siblings of infants and preemies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Explore

Who We Are

Dola Spering

Founder and Director

I am Dola, the founder and owner of Project BEAR, mother of Jeremiah (2008) and Vincent (2009). I also experienced an early miscarriage in 2003. I have three living children; Kaitlin, Anthony and my rainbow, Chase.

I taught high school chemistry and biology for 18 years before deciding to leave teaching to work on Project BEAR full time. I feel blessed to help bring comfort to others who have experienced the loss of a baby or who struggle with infertility. I truly believe that God can use these teddy bears to bring comfort and healing in a way that only He can and I am so thankful that He is using me.

Katherine (Katie) Traynor

Charity Coordinator

Hello everyone! My name is Katie, and I'm excited to serve as Project B.E.A.R.'s charity coordinator. As a recent graduate with a B.S. in Public Health and a minor in Healthcare Administration, I'm passionate about making a difference in people's lives. Joining this community is a meaningful step for me, and I'm eager to contribute to our mission of providing comfort and support to those navigating loss.

Jocelyn Copeland

Intern

Hi, I'm Jocelyn, and as a college student, I continue to learn at Project Bear. Through my journey here, I have had the opportunity to begin to understand how deeply tribulating a single moment of childbirth can be. Having seen the impact of baby loss in my own circle of loved ones, Project Bear's mission means that much more to me. I look forward to continuing to learn and help a beautiful community with endless amounts of love to share.

Tammy Medley

Board Member

My name is Tammy and I am excited to be taking on this role and to see the amazing journey Project BEAR will take in its future. I, myself, have experienced loss in the form of 4 miscarriages. I found it reassuring that there were others out there with whom I could talk who understood what I went through. Having that connection is so important to processing grief. I love that Project BEAR’s platform allows people going through similar situations to connect with one another.

As far as my professional background, I have worked in healthcare for the past 21 years, on the back end of the business; mainly in billing. I am married to my husband of 8 years and we live with our two cats – Abby and Little One.

About Project BEAR

Project B.E.A.R

Our Mission

Our Bears

Who We Are

Dola Spering

Katherine (Katie) Traynor

Jocelyn Copeland

Tammy Medley

Your Support Matters

Join us as we offer hope to those who need it most

Bringing awareness to the reality of infertility, miscarriage, stillbirth, and neonatal death.

BEARS

PROJECT BEAR