The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital in Portland was the recent recipient of hundreds of stuffed moose, purchased through donations made last fall to the Denise’s Moose project.
An Aroostook County family turned the theft of a bronze moose from Denise Hill’s grave into an opportunity to give the gift of love to children stricken with cancer, through Denise’s Moose, a fundraiser to purchase stuffed moose for youth being treated at Barbara Bush’s Children’s Hospital in Portland.
On Sept. 7 the family of Denise (Grenier) Hill (of Chapman) reported the theft of a 30-pound bronze moose statue that was glued atop her headstone at the Fairmount Cemetery in Presque Isle. The statue has yet to be recovered but rather than replace it, the family decided the money would be better spent bringing joy to cancer patients. Hill, who battled cancer, loved moose; because of this, it was decided a stuffed moose would be a fitting gift for others undergoing treatment for cancer.
The moose were scheduled to be delivered in December but the trip was postponed until last week.
“Our family thanks all those who donated, shared our fundraiser page and helped us make this happen. We re honored to have made this tribute to Denise happen with such great success,” said a post on the Denise’s Moose Facebook page.
Kelly Langley, Hill’s daughter, said the fundraiser began with an idea to leave items at her mother’s grave for her 60th birthday.
“Then sitting with family it was decided the best way to honor her was to do something for children — children battling cancer as she fought cancer,” said Langley.
Hill’s family was able to find a distributor who was willing to sell the stuffed moose at a very reasonable price, so the gofundme.com donation site was set up.
“We worked for nearly four months collecting donations and pooling our resources to make this a success. We coordinated with Child Life Service Coordinator Sherisse Wormell (at the Portland hospital) to make the delivery on Feb. 10,” said Langley.
The fundraiser raised over $3,400, which allowed for the purchase of 500 moose. Langley said she hopes to make this an annual event.
“I am looking to make this a yearly donation, but I would like to start campaigning this summer to ensure a Christmas delivery,” she said.
Langley said delivery the moose to the hospital turned into an emotional event.
“I was very touched when we were at the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital. My Aunt Darlene (Leach) was able to give a three-year-old little girl named Alice a moose. Alice was in the elevator on her way to the cancer care wing. Alice had a big smile when she hugged her moose,” said Langley, noting, “The BBCH was a very surreal experience that saddened me to think of all the sick children. So I think I’d like to keep giving to those children if I could.”
“The staff at the BBCH was very gracious in receiving the moose and made it known to us that it was a wonderful cause that we ought to be proud of. And I know, I am,” said Langley.
Hospital staff welcomed the gifts, which will be distributed to patients in coming weeks and months.
“They’re beautiful. I told Kelly they’re the perfect size for a child to take around with them to their various treatments and appointments. They’re so cute,” said Wormell.
Wormell said she planned to share the stuffed critters with offices and departments involved with these young patients.
“I’ll share with the various areas that serve the children, including radiology, MRI, the ER and staff offices. The good thing about these moose is that they can go in the machines with the child, since they have no metal in them,” she said.
Wormell said they’ll serve to build spirits during difficult times.
“They’re great and will offer children comfort when they most need it,” said Wormell.
She recalled the elevator trip and the excitement in the child’s eyes when receiving the moose.
“Her whole face lit up,” she said.
Wormell said to some these toys may just be a stuffed animal but to the children who receive them, they provide comfort and bring joy.
“Gifts like these moose make such a difference. And age doesn’t matter. Whether it’s a child of 4 or 5, or a teen boy, they bring a smile to everyone’s face,” said Wormell. “We really appreciate what Denise’s family has done to help make these children’s time at the hospital more bearable.”
