ST. LOUIS, Feb. 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2021, Build-A-Bear Workshop (NYSE: BBW) hosted a Make-A-Wish® event for Keegan, an 18-year-old wish kid whose wish was to partner with the company to raise awareness for liver cancer. For his wish experience, Keegan visited Build-A-Bear World Bearquarters in St. Louis, MO to design his own furry friend to help raise awareness for liver cancer.
Keegan began his day with Bear Builder Training and received the first ever tour of Build-A-Bear's new World Bearquarters in downtown St. Louis, MO. He then worked with a senior product designer to design furry friend concepts before pitching his ideas to Build-A-Bear senior leadership, including CEO Sharon Price John.
Designed by Keegan himself, Keegan's Wish Frog has emerald green fur to match the liver cancer ribbon and a yellow belly and eyes to represent the jaundice many liver cancer patients experience. The frog also features the green liver cancer awareness ribbon on its left paw pad and dark green 'liver spots' along its back. The fabric was hand-picked by Keegan to resemble a comforting blanket. "I wanted something that you can physically have in your hand and that people can relate to my situation but also can enjoy for themselves," Keegan said during his visit.
"We were so honored when we learned about Keegan's wish to design a special furry friend with Build-A-Bear. To be a part of someone's wish in such a significant and meaningful way meant so much to our entire team," said Build-A-Bear Workshop President and CEO, Sharon Price John. "Keegan's designs were so creative and inspiring and spot-on in terms of what our Guests love. As a Build-A-Bear fan, Keegan knew that frogs are always a favorite, and I know Keegan's Wish Frog will be a beloved addition to many collections! It was an honor to have him join the Build-A-Bear family."
"We are so thankful for our partners at Build-A-Bear Workshop for helping to bring Keegan's heartfelt and selfless wish to fruition," said Caroline Schmidt, President & CEO of Make-A-Wish Missouri & Kansas. "Keegan and his wish are an inspiration to all of us and we are privileged to be able to deliver on his vision of raising awareness for liver cancer. I know his incredible spirit will radiate through this creation, providing a legacy of everlasting hope for us all."
Keegan also designed two liver cancer awareness t-shirts to accompany his Wish Frog. DeLIVER some love by dressing your furry friend in a t-shirt featuring the green liver cancer awareness ribbon. Or choose the "Storm clouds and 'liver' linings" tee; the liver on this t-shirt includes a silver lining as a symbol of hope for those impacted by liver cancer.
While most wish kids overcome their illnesses, Keegan lost his battle with liver cancer—but not before he was able to see his vision come to life. "For someone to find a little bit of hope or a little bit of community by seeing this frog, really it's all about connecting with that inner child," Keegan said when he made his visit to the company's headquarters. "Making this wish—yes, it is my wish and yes, it is about liver cancer awareness—but also making it bigger than that. It's endlessly beautiful."
Keegan's wish has helped to create a legacy of everlasting hope for children with critical illnesses. In honor of Keegan's Wish Frog and his Make-A-Wish experience, Build-A-Bear Foundation donated $15,000 to the UPMC Liver Cancer Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Product images can be found here.
For more information about Build-A-Bear Workshop furry friends, gifts, events and deals, visit buildabear.com, and follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Twitter.
ABOUT BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP, INC. (NYSE: BBW)
Build-A-Bear is a multi-generational global brand focused on its mission to "add a little more heart to life" appealing to a wide array of consumer groups who enjoy the personal expression in making their own "furry friends" to celebrate and commemorate life moments. Nearly 500 interactive brick-and-mortar retail locations operated through a variety of formats provide guests of all ages a hands-on entertaining experience, which often fosters a lasting and emotional brand connection. The company also offers engaging e-commerce/digital purchasing experiences on www.buildabear.com including its online "Bear-Builder" as well as the new "Bear Builder 3D Workshop". In addition, extending its brand power beyond retail, Build-A-Bear Entertainment, a subsidiary of Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc., is dedicated to creating engaging content for kids and adults that fulfills the company's mission, while the company also offers products at wholesale and in non-plush consumer categories via licensing agreements with leading manufacturers. For more information, visit the Investor Relations section of buildabear.com.
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SOURCE Build-A-Bear Workshop
