All of us here have been affected by MMD in some way, whether someone we care for or we ourselves have the disease.  We know first hand what a frightening diagnosis this can be and what a devestating affect it can have on patients and their families.
Many families who are facing this diagnosis  travel across the country, away from thier family, friends and support systems to face the prospect of having their child undergo brain surgery.  It is a terrifying experience for the children and their families.
Please help me to provide the smallest bit of comfort to these families in need.  I am asking for volunteers to knit teddy bears for the pediatric moyamoya patients at Stanford University Medical Center.  If you don't knit (or crochet), ask your family or friends if their is someone who does.
Use any yarn you chose, just keep in mind the snugglabilty factor - if you were facing this surgery, is it something you would want to cuddle up with for comfort?  Please don't use any buttons or anything that could come loose and be a choking hazard.  Give it some personality - add a scarf & hat, a dress, a sweater, etc.
There are lots of free teddy bear patterns online.  Here are just a few:
Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or
Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or
Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or
Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or
Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or

There are also lots of books with great patterns that have ideas that are a little more imaginative.  Again, here are a few:
Teddy Bears:  Twenty-five Irresistible designs for Knitted Bears by Debbie Bliss
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Nursery Knits:  25 Easy Designs for Clothes, Toys and Decorations by Zoe Mellor
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Knitted Toys:  25 Fresh and Fabulous Designs by Zoe Mellor
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I know a bear is a very small thing to do, but it shows each child, each family, that someone out there knows what they are going through and that they are not alone.  Please help me to care for and support the other members of our MMD family.

If you are interested in helping, please e-mail me at tuknits@gmail.com

Peace to you
-Tracey

Tracey,
 I pm'd you on this subject.  Though I almost couldn't find this thread again.  Can you rename the topic?  "Teddy Bears"! or something.  

Thanks for a great project!   :D
Carol

Carol,

I replied to your e-mail and have changed the topic as you suggested.  Thank you so much for your awesome support!   Keep on knitting.  The families will be so thrilled to get your beautiful bears!  You Rock! [smiley=hug.gif]
-Tracey

Tracy,
   I'm now back from California, and all is well.  My staples were removed on Wednesday, And during the last evaluation medical appointment I took all the teddy bears I made to give to Teresa and Jill.   :D  There were at least 18 TB and a few security blankets.    
   I took pictures but can't seem to figure out how to attach the pictures, can someone help me?  
  Thank you for having such a great project for me to assist in.  It gave me something to do while things progress.  
   
Please keep in touch.
Carol

Carol,
That is wonderful!  I have been thinking about you so much and hoping that you are doing well.  I am so glad to hear that everything is good.
I talked to Teresa the other day and she was very happy to have received the bears.  I am thrilled that it gave you something to keep your mind on!.  I can't believe you made that many.  You are one fast knitter woman!  I got your pictures.  These are FANTASTIC!  I will be going in a couple of weeks so I'll have another group of bears to bring.  I hope your bears will give some comfort to the families of the children.
I don't know how to post a picture here, but maybe you can send it to DJ to post in the MM family section.  
BIG, BIG HUGS to you! [smiley=hug.gif]
Tracey