mers-belly-bears-courage-mii

There are times when our health may give us a scare,
That is why we have Mer’s Belly Bear.
With a smile on its face and a pocket on its back,
There’s a space for our feelings – to pack and unpack.
If it is good or bad, happy or sad,
Write it down, put it in the bag.
What you are going through – I’ve been there too.
There is a whole team, and Mer’s Belly Bear here for you.
When the journey gets hard and you feel you can’t go longer,
Just remember that it will only make you stronger.
Be patient with yourself, your healing will take time,
I promise you – your scars will only make you shine.
You are never alone, and with time you will see,
Sharing your feelings will always set you free.
I was there in a hospital bed too,
And my belly bear is my hug to you.

Mer’s Belly Bears are a symbol of comfort and courage for those young and brave with IBD who are living with a stoma. If you’d like to give a youth you know with a stoma a Belly Bear, complete our form below with a bit about yourself or the person you’d like to give a bear to. Upon filling in the form, you’ll receive an email that you can present at the Gutsy Walk nearest you on June 7, 2026 and receive your Belly Bear. If you won’t personally be attending, you can send the certificate to the person whom you want to receive one, and they can pick it up when they present their certificate at Gutsy Walk (on their phone or printed out).