Stepping Stone receives touching donation in memory of late brother
In a beautiful gesture of gratitude and remembrance, a custom-made teddy bear was donated to Stepping Stone in memory of André Human, a former EMPD officer Hospice cared for before his passing.
Stepping Stone Palliative Care Services recently received a heart-warming donation that left a lasting impact on the staff and patients.
Antoinette Foord donated a custom-made teddy bear, designed to resemble an EMPD officer, to the Hospice in memory of her late brother, André.
The Stepping Stone staff cared for André, who was an EMPD officer, before his passing after his brave fight with cancer. As a gesture of gratitude and remembrance, Antoinette’s sister, Roelien Opperman, facilitated making the teddy bear, which embodies their love and care as a family in every stitch.
The teddy bear is a touching reminder of the bond between the Foord family and the Stepping Stone Hospice staff.
This handmade creation, which features a badge with the initials A Human, is a testament to the impact the hospice staff had on André’s life and the family’s appreciation for the care and compassion they showed him during his time of need.
Antoinette said: “Roelien had this teddy made. We, as the late André’s sisters and the Van Wyk family, share our gratitude towards Hospice for helping our brother in his final stage of cancer from December 2023 until January 2024 and for the best treatment that he could have asked for.
They treated him like ‘gold’ and with passion until the day of his passing. Also, thank you for the assistance and support we, as a family, received.”
Stepping Stone Hospice founder and CEO Tersia Burger thanked the Foord family for this wonderful donation, adding that André’s memory will continue to live on in their hearts.
“This donation deeply touched us. The teddy bear is a beautiful gesture that reminds us of the importance of compassion, care, and community. We are grateful to the Foord family for their kindness and thoughtfulness.
“The teddy bear will symbolise protection and care for the staff and families who visit our adult inpatient unit,” she said.
Tersia mentioned the teddy bear will be a constant reminder of the love and kindness that exists in the community and the difference that one family’s gesture can make.
As the Hospice continues to provide care and support to those in need, the handmade teddy bear will remain a cherished reminder of the love and appreciation that exists in the community.
