Catherine Cares

Catherine Cares uplifts families of children facing an unexpected medical diagnosis. Our Heartbeat Bear has a pocket which contains a recording device. When a baby receives a prenatal or newborn life-threatening diagnosis, our hospital partners record the baby's heartbeat on the device, place the device in the pocket and present the bear to the family. Our Heartbeat Bears provide comfort to families when they do not know how long they will have with their precious babies. Heartbeat Bears help families through the grieving process and are cherished for years to come. A diagnosis can make one feel isolated. Our Heartbeat Bears let families know they are not alone during their journey.

The Companion Crew service was created with consultation from Child Life Teams to create 5 special stuffed animals, each with a recording device, offering children connection and comfort amidst an unexpected medical diagnosis. This service was launched in February 2026. Each Companion has a special name, their own unique story & a pocket with a recording device ready to record any message or sound that offers a child and their family . Hospital staff provide a Companion to their young patients when needed. Children may even choose the friend they most relate to.

Catherine Cares was started by Wayne and Lauren Turley in December 2014 after their second daughter, Catherine Marie, received a prenatal diagnosis of Trisomy-18. Catherine was born 7 weeks early on December 30, 2014, and lived for an hour. Catherine Cares is her legacy.