YAB Member Reflection: Sreejay Ramakrishnan (FHE '23)

Dressed as Thor, Batman, and Captain America, we proudly stand in front of the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital holding our flashlights high. My eyes are drawn to hospital windows where flashlights flicker back. The children see us.

My mind travels to the children as I tie the navy blue ribbon around the plush hazel-hinted teddy bears with white tags labeled “Billy Bear Hug.” Tagging along with me is a diverse group of individuals – from cancer survivors to kind-hearted people to grieving siblings to future leaders – together we share a single goal: providing the cure of comfort to children with life-threatening illnesses.

Over the last three years, I have immersed myself in the Billy Bear Hug Youth Advisory Board (BBHYAB). This group has augmented my passion for giving to others. It has also granted me new friendships, professional development opportunities, and learning experiences. With over 45 students from schools all across West Michigan, we create “Cub Kits” with coloring books and hand-written notes; from the ice rink after the annual Grand Rapids Griffins Teddy Bear Toss event, we collect mountains of soft pastel bears and include one of these “friends” to become the star of the kits.

Although we cannot meet face-to-face with the kids, we are rewarded by endearing notes sent from the parents, joyful video reactions of excited children receiving Billy Bears, and the glow of non-profit organization leaders’ smiles. This payback affirms that even simple acts, such as giving teddy bears, can bring immense joy to a child’s life.

As a part of the Billy Bear Hug community, I learn, believe, and lead with this incredible group of individuals, enriching my gratitude, empathy, and optimism. Most importantly, I have learned that children are the true superheroes, and we are merely their “sidekicks.”