The Berni & Murcer - Friends for LifeTM "Comfort Backpack" program is designed to improve the child's overall social and emotional well-being towards his or her illness through the normalcy of childhood play. Berni & Murcer - Friends for LifeTM interactive play manipulatives generate a renewal of inspired hope and energy in the child to fight his or her illness, gain the strength and desire to persevere through the rigors of treatment, and increase their coping ability to receive life enriching after-care.
Every child we help receives a “Comfort Backpack” filled with Berni & Murcer – Friends for LifeTM items developed with input from child psychologists, educators and medical professionals, created not just to entertain and distract the child from what they’re going through—but to comfort them, inspire them, and give them hope. The "Comfort Backpack" includes a soft and cuddly, plush Bernese Mountain Dog (Berni), the first book in a series of inspirational storybooks (starring Berni & his "dogfather" Murcer); a Berni Chemo/IV Bag Cover; engaging and fun activity books; a writing journal; a blanket, hat, water bottle; face mask and more. As a unique feature, there’s an interactive website with added fun and educational resources for children and their families.
While some of the Berni & Murcer items are tactile and comfort children in the same way as a blanket or lovey does, others are interactive, inviting medical providers and families to share positive thoughts and messages as the backpack travels with the child from home to medical facilities. Children have the opportunity to bond with Berni & Murcer in ways that are heartfelt and deeply satisfying. More importantly, the Berni & Murcer items are not just play materials, they’re play therapy. As children go through the challenging battle of medical treatments, they often need more than medicine alone. Therapeutic programs have been proven to increase treatment success and at Berni & Murcer – Friends for LifeTM, we are dedicated to providing emotional comfort for children by creating joy-filled, magical adventures with Berni & Murcer!
YOU can be an important part of a child's healing journey by considering a gift of $100.00 which will provide one (1) Berni & Murcer Comfort Backpack to a child diagnosed with cancer (free of charge) at an area children's hospital. Spread the word to family, friends and colleagues and invite them to join YOU on the journey!
Every child we help receives a “Comfort Backpack” filled with Berni & Murcer – Friends for LifeTM items developed with input from child psychologists, educators and medical professionals, created not just to entertain and distract the child from what they’re going through—but to comfort them, inspire them, and give them hope. The "Comfort Backpack" includes a soft and cuddly, plush Bernese Mountain Dog (Berni), the first book in a series of inspirational storybooks (starring Berni & his "dogfather" Murcer); a Berni Chemo/IV Bag Cover; engaging and fun activity books; a writing journal; a blanket, hat, water bottle; face mask and more. As a unique feature, there’s an interactive website with added fun and educational resources for children and their families.
While some of the Berni & Murcer items are tactile and comfort children in the same way as a blanket or lovey does, others are interactive, inviting medical providers and families to share positive thoughts and messages as the backpack travels with the child from home to medical facilities. Children have the opportunity to bond with Berni & Murcer in ways that are heartfelt and deeply satisfying. More importantly, the Berni & Murcer items are not just play materials, they’re play therapy. As children go through the challenging battle of medical treatments, they often need more than medicine alone. Therapeutic programs have been proven to increase treatment success and at Berni & Murcer – Friends for LifeTM, we are dedicated to providing emotional comfort for children by creating joy-filled, magical adventures with Berni & Murcer!
YOU can be an important part of a child's healing journey by considering a gift of $100.00 which will provide one (1) Berni & Murcer Comfort Backpack to a child diagnosed with cancer (free of charge) at an area children's hospital. Spread the word to family, friends and colleagues and invite them to join YOU on the journey!
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"The needs of children living with serious illness, in spite of all the progress made by medicine, have not changed. They need connection with other kids, joy, a sense that their lives are not defined by their illness."
Miriam Nelson, Acting President & CEO of Newman's Own Foundation
Miriam Nelson, Acting President & CEO of Newman's Own Foundation
The Berni & Murcer - Friends for Life Comfort Backpack Program promotes a child's journey through comfort and care
with the following items....
with the following items....
Murcer Chemotherapy/IV Bag Cover
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"I wish I had a Murcer bag cover because the IV looked like a monster to me and I was afraid of it."
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THE MURCER CHEMOTHERAPY/IV BAG COVER
The Murcer Chemotherapy/IV Bag Cover has been uniquely designed with input from medical professionals and families impacted by cancer and is beneficial for children receiving chemotherapy and other medications in several ways:
Faithful Friend: Berni provides a visual distraction for children helping to take their minds off treatment while providing a source of enjoyment and relaxation.
Sense of Control: Children may feel a lack of control over their health and treatment. Using the Berni chemotherapy/IV bag cover can help children to feel more in control of their environment with less fear.
Self-Expression: Children may have a lot of difficult emotions and may not always know how to express them. Using the Berni chemotherapy/IV bag cover can provide a way for children to express their personality and identity and help them feel more like themselves.
Comfort: Berni can provide a sense of comfort and security to children, especially when they are feeling anxious or alone.
Social Connection: Children undergoing chemotherapy may feel isolated from their peers. Using the Berni chemotherapy/IV bag cover can be a way for children to connect with others and form social bonds, as well to share their interests and personality with others.
The Murcer Chemotherapy/IV Bag Cover has been uniquely designed with input from medical professionals and families impacted by cancer and is beneficial for children receiving chemotherapy and other medications in several ways:
Faithful Friend: Berni provides a visual distraction for children helping to take their minds off treatment while providing a source of enjoyment and relaxation.
Sense of Control: Children may feel a lack of control over their health and treatment. Using the Berni chemotherapy/IV bag cover can help children to feel more in control of their environment with less fear.
Self-Expression: Children may have a lot of difficult emotions and may not always know how to express them. Using the Berni chemotherapy/IV bag cover can provide a way for children to express their personality and identity and help them feel more like themselves.
Comfort: Berni can provide a sense of comfort and security to children, especially when they are feeling anxious or alone.
Social Connection: Children undergoing chemotherapy may feel isolated from their peers. Using the Berni chemotherapy/IV bag cover can be a way for children to connect with others and form social bonds, as well to share their interests and personality with others.
THE BERNI PLUSH COMPANION
The Berni Plush Companion was a collaboration between medical professionals, educators, pediatric patients and parents, toys to design and create a child's cuddly plush companion that provided a range of therapeutic benefits for children with cancer, including:
Comfort: Berni provides a sense of comfort and security to children, especially when they are feeling anxious or alone. Hugging or cuddling Berni can help children to feel calm and relaxed.
Companionship: Berni gives a sense of companionship, particularly when children are unable to be with their friends or family. Having Berni to talk to or confide in can help children to feel less isolated.
Self-expression: Children with cancer may have a lot of difficult emotions and may not always know how to express them. Berni provides a non-judgmental outlet for children to express their feelings and emotions.
Play: Berni provides an endless sense of play and creativity. Children can use Berni to act out scenarios, create stories, and engage in imaginative play, which can be especially beneficial during a time when they may have limited physical activity.
Physical therapy: Berni can also be used as a form of physical therapy for children with cancer. Squeezing or manipulating Berni can help to improve fine motor skills and coordination, as well as provide a form of low-impact exercise.
The Berni Plush Companion was a collaboration between medical professionals, educators, pediatric patients and parents, toys to design and create a child's cuddly plush companion that provided a range of therapeutic benefits for children with cancer, including:
Comfort: Berni provides a sense of comfort and security to children, especially when they are feeling anxious or alone. Hugging or cuddling Berni can help children to feel calm and relaxed.
Companionship: Berni gives a sense of companionship, particularly when children are unable to be with their friends or family. Having Berni to talk to or confide in can help children to feel less isolated.
Self-expression: Children with cancer may have a lot of difficult emotions and may not always know how to express them. Berni provides a non-judgmental outlet for children to express their feelings and emotions.
Play: Berni provides an endless sense of play and creativity. Children can use Berni to act out scenarios, create stories, and engage in imaginative play, which can be especially beneficial during a time when they may have limited physical activity.
Physical therapy: Berni can also be used as a form of physical therapy for children with cancer. Squeezing or manipulating Berni can help to improve fine motor skills and coordination, as well as provide a form of low-impact exercise.
BERNI & MURCER STORYBOOK & ACTIVITY BOOK SERIES
The Berni & Murcer Storybook and Activity Book Series have been creatively written and designed in conjunction with medical professionals, educators and pediatric patients' families to provide a wide range of therapeutic benefits for children with cancer, including:
Adventure: Each storybook and activity book provides a welcome distraction from the physical and emotional challenges of cancer treatment. These books can help children to take their minds off of their illness and find enjoyment and relaxation.
Imagination: Children are encouraged to use their imagination and creativity as they experience a new adventure and get to personalize it. Expanding wonderment is especially beneficial during a time when they may have limited physical activity.
Learning: Each child, including his or her sibling are presented with an opportunity to learn new things and expand their knowledge. Learning helps to stimulate their minds and provide a sense of accomplishment. A special adventure patch is included at the end of each storybook!
Self-Expression: Children with cancer may have a lot of difficult emotions and may not always know how to express them. Reading stories or engaging in activities in a book can provide a non-judgmental outlet for children to express their feelings and emotions.
Social Connection: Engaging in new activities allow the child to feel connected to others and form social bonds. Connections can be especially important during a time when they may be isolated from their friends and peers.
The Berni & Murcer Storybook and Activity Book Series have been creatively written and designed in conjunction with medical professionals, educators and pediatric patients' families to provide a wide range of therapeutic benefits for children with cancer, including:
Adventure: Each storybook and activity book provides a welcome distraction from the physical and emotional challenges of cancer treatment. These books can help children to take their minds off of their illness and find enjoyment and relaxation.
Imagination: Children are encouraged to use their imagination and creativity as they experience a new adventure and get to personalize it. Expanding wonderment is especially beneficial during a time when they may have limited physical activity.
Learning: Each child, including his or her sibling are presented with an opportunity to learn new things and expand their knowledge. Learning helps to stimulate their minds and provide a sense of accomplishment. A special adventure patch is included at the end of each storybook!
Self-Expression: Children with cancer may have a lot of difficult emotions and may not always know how to express them. Reading stories or engaging in activities in a book can provide a non-judgmental outlet for children to express their feelings and emotions.
Social Connection: Engaging in new activities allow the child to feel connected to others and form social bonds. Connections can be especially important during a time when they may be isolated from their friends and peers.
BERNI & MURCER ACTIVITY BOOKS
Activity books and writing journals are helpful for children with cancer in a number of ways.
Activities provide a sense of structure and routine, which can be especially important during hospital stays or treatment periods when a child's schedule may be disrupted. Activity books and writing journals also help to keep a child's mind occupied and can provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
These tools can be a way for a child to express their thoughts and feelings, which can be therapeutic and help them cope with their diagnosis and treatment.
Activity books can also be a way for a child to engage in creative activities, which can be a helpful distraction from the challenges they are facing. Writing journals enable children to reflect on their experiences and process their emotions. These writings are a way for children to express themselves in a private and personal way, which can be especially important for children who may feel overwhelmed or isolated by their cancer diagnosis.
It's important to keep in mind that every child is different, and what works for one child may not work for another. It's essential to work with the child and their healthcare team to find activities that are appropriate and enjoyable for each child.
Activity books and writing journals are helpful for children with cancer in a number of ways.
Activities provide a sense of structure and routine, which can be especially important during hospital stays or treatment periods when a child's schedule may be disrupted. Activity books and writing journals also help to keep a child's mind occupied and can provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
These tools can be a way for a child to express their thoughts and feelings, which can be therapeutic and help them cope with their diagnosis and treatment.
Activity books can also be a way for a child to engage in creative activities, which can be a helpful distraction from the challenges they are facing. Writing journals enable children to reflect on their experiences and process their emotions. These writings are a way for children to express themselves in a private and personal way, which can be especially important for children who may feel overwhelmed or isolated by their cancer diagnosis.
It's important to keep in mind that every child is different, and what works for one child may not work for another. It's essential to work with the child and their healthcare team to find activities that are appropriate and enjoyable for each child.
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VIRTUAL ENGAGEMENT
Berni & Murcer Video Games are being developed by a talented and creative team of Computer Science Gaming Majors with therapeutic benefits for children with cancer. Video games can provide a welcome distraction from the physical and emotional challenges of cancer treatment. They can help children to take their minds off of their illness, find enjoyment with sense of accomplishment and progress as they complete tasks and progress through levels. This can be especially important during a time when they may feel a lack of control over their health and treatment. Playing video games can help children with cancer to reduce stress and anxiety. The relaxation and enjoyment that comes from playing a game can provide mental and emotional escape from the challenges of cancer treatment. |
A BIG Berni & Murcer THANK YOU to our Friends at Love Your Melon!
Love Your Melon generously donated 250 of their reusable face masks for children to be included in our “ Comfort Backpacks.” THANK YOU!...Together, we're making a difference in the lives of children diagnosed with cancer! Fifty percent of net profits from the sale of Love Your Melon products is given to nonprofits leading the fight against pediatric cancer through research, therapeutic experiences and family support.
Love Your Melon generously donated 250 of their reusable face masks for children to be included in our “ Comfort Backpacks.” THANK YOU!...Together, we're making a difference in the lives of children diagnosed with cancer! Fifty percent of net profits from the sale of Love Your Melon products is given to nonprofits leading the fight against pediatric cancer through research, therapeutic experiences and family support.