Comforting Hospitalized Children

Hunter’s Nana and Papa, also know as Marles and Gary Overgard, visit Children's Miracle Network Hospitals® at Gundersen Helath System monthly to replenish teddy bears and security blankets provided by the Hugs From Hunter Foundation. Gundersen staff use the bears to help comfort children who are sick, injured, or in crisis.

Marles Overgard’s connection to Gundersen Health System spans decades. Marles was employed as a Registered Nurse when she retired from Gundersen Health System after 40 years of service in 2014. During her career, she worked in multiple departments including dialysis, the Gundersen Health Plan—now known as Quartz—and nephrology.

A child looks at the massive number of teddy bears on their way to help comfort children in crisis.

Organizations That Help Kids

At Hugs From Hunter, we are dedicated to helping kids in crisis by offering comfort and support to hospitalized children facing challenging health battles. Our goal is to bring joy and relief to kids in need through care packages, donations, and emotional support during their hospital stays.

We believe in the power of kids helping kids, where young people play a key role in supporting their peers. Through organized donation drives, crafting care packages, and volunteering, children can make a direct impact on those who need it most. This not only helps hospitalized children but also fosters a sense of empathy and community.

In addition to direct support, we partner with lacrosse charities to further extend our reach and bring comfort to more children. These collaborations help raise awareness and provide additional resources to support hospitalized children in crisis.

As a proud 501c3 Minnesota organization, Hugs From Hunter is committed to supporting organizations that help kids and making a difference in the lives of children facing illness. Together, we can provide hope, joy, and comfort to children in need