Mimi Hymel was 3 years old when Hurricane Katrina destroyed her home and her life as she knew it. In a cruel act of fate, it also claimed a source of comfort, her cherished teddy bear Cuddles.

That led years later to her founding Comfort Bears in a Catastrophe, a nonprofit that provides a special stuffed bear along with a handwritten note of encouragement to children impacted by disasters.

Most children living through a hurricane, flood, earthquake, or other disaster lose their belongings and have limited social interaction, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Evacuee children are four times more likely than the average child to show symptoms of emotional disturbance. This can stunt their ability to advance socially, emotionally, and academically.

Since Comfort Bears’ founding in 2020, more than 10,000 bears have been given away, 1,530 cards made, and 31,000 children educated with Miss Prepared books about what to do in a disaster.

Click here to learn more about Comfort Bears in a Catastrophe: www.comfortbearsinacatastrophe.org

Original air date: June 13, 2024.